A 20-year-old British man has tragically lost his life during what should have been an exciting family holiday in Turkey. Tyler Kerry was found dead at the bottom of a lift shaft at the Trendy Lara resort hotel, located along the beautiful coastline of Antalya. The incident is under investigation, calling attention to the safety measures and conditions of such establishments where tourists gather.
Authorities confirmed the discovery on Friday morning. The local police quickly responded and, unfortunately, found Kerry unresponsive. Despite the attempts of emergency services, Tyler could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kerry family, hailing from the town of Basildon, Essex, had just arrived at the resort days earlier, eager to enjoy the sun and relaxation.
Tyler was on holiday with family members, including his grandparents, Colette and Ray Kerry, his girlfriend Molly, and other relatives. A family statement characterized Tyler as "a young man full of personality, kindness, and compassion with his whole life ahead of him." To help with the funeral expenditures, the family set up a fundraising page, which has garnered nearly £4,800 to date. Tyler's travel insurance is expected to cover the cost of repatriation of his body back to the UK.
"We are assisting the family of a British man who has died in Turkey," said a spokesperson from the UK Government, underscoring the support being extended during this tragic time.
Tyler's uncle, Alex Price, shared the essence of his nephew's character, recalling how he and his girlfriend were considering moving in together, highlighting the young couple’s maturity and stability. "He was quite a mature young man for his age, very compassionate and kind, caring toward his family members and his younger siblings," Price added, illustrating the family’s emotional loss.
Meanwhile, the family is understandably anxious for more answers about the circumstances surrounding Tyler's last moments. They expressed their frustration with local police, stating, "This is not just a tragic accident, and I feel like nobody is listening to me. It’s like they just want to sweep it under the carpet and get rid of us," as noted by his grandmother, Collette Kerry, who remains at the hotel.
At the moment, local authorities have said very little publicly as they continue their investigation. Initial reports suggest Tyler was found after his brother initiated a search when he realized his brother was missing. "The local police came on Friday but haven't spoken to us since at all. Apparently, they were here earlier but didn’t come and speak to us," she continued, expressing her concerns about transparency.
The family’s desperate need for clarity resonates as they navigate their grief. Alex Price reiterated, "The family is still in the dark about what has happened and are eager for a thorough investigation to find out what's happened." They feel the need for oversight, especially as fatal incidents like these raise many concerns about safety protocols at resorts frequented by tourists.
Tyler’s unexpected death spotlights the broader risks faced by holidaymakers abroad, especially those staying in large, busy resorts. Incidents involving lifts and escalators can sometimes go unreported, but they can pose serious dangers if safety standards aren’t met. The family is pushing for increased awareness surrounding such risks, which could prevent future tragedies.
While there is not yet full clarity on the official investigation results, the family has expressed hope. They are working closely with representatives from their holiday operator, Tui, who have extended their condolences but are limited by the active police investigation when it pertains to comments.
Tyler was described as loving and devoted, someone who embraced life passionately. The outpouring of support from family and friends, highlighted by the response to the fundraising effort, is uplifting during such somber times.
The tourism industry must do more to prioritize the safety of guests. There are calls for more rigorous inspections and regulation of facilities, particularly where vulnerable populations may inadvertently face danger. Tyres are raised about how accidents like Tyler’s can and should prompt action.
Overall, Tyler's family hopes for the results of the investigation to shed light on how this tragedy occurred and to prevent such incidents from occurring to others. Their commitment to seeking justice and clarity reflects not only their grief but also their desire for systemic change, so other families do not have to suffer similar heartache.
While the circumstances of Tyler Kerry's death bring sorrow to his loved ones, his spirit lives on through the cherished memories shared among those who knew him best. Together, they aim for accountability, transparency, and hope for prevention of similar tragedies.
