Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in
Jack was shy family man ‘loved by everyone,’ his sister Daisy said
Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile
Related: US Osprey helicopter crashes into USS Green Bay killing three Marines
The sister of a British man killed after being hit by a helicopter blade in Greece has demanded someone is punished following the tragic incident.
Jack Fenton, 22, was alighting a Bell 407 helicopter at a private airport in Athens when he was hit by the aircraft’s rear rotor, killing him instantly.
The social media firm junior executive was returning from a holiday in Mykonos and was scheduled to take a flight to Britain after the helicopter ride.
Daisy Fenton, 20, denied reported claims by Greek authorities, that Jack ran back to the helicopter and refused to listen to calls for him to stop.
Daisy (L) said Jack (R) was a family man loved by everyone
“Jack is not a 10-year-old, he’s 22, if someone shouted at him to stop he wouldn’t keep going,” Daisy told The Independent.
“No one said to stop, he just walked around the back, no one knew he did it. No one knows why, we don’t know if he forgot something or was going around to the other side but obviously it was dark and it hit the back of his head,” she said.
Daisy said the aircraft staff told the passengers to get off the helicopter while the propellers were still running.
“It was Jack’s first time in a helicopter, they let them out while it was still running. It’s only right that charges are pressed and there’s some sort of punishment,” Daisy said.
“It’s only fair that because they didn’t give instructions.”
Daisy said Jack had been on holiday with his friends at the time of the incident while the family was at home in the UK when they received the heartbreaking news.
Jack with his father Miguel (R) and sister Daisy (L)
Ioannis Kandyllis, president of Greece’s committee for aviation accidents, which is investigating the incident, said witnesses he spoke to described Mr Fenton holding a phone to his ear as he headed back towards the helicopter.
“All four passengers had disembarked and were escorted to a private lounge awaiting a private flight for London,” Mr Kandyllis said.
“But as they were in the lounge the victim broke away and returned to the tarmac, rushing to the helicopter at a fast pace. Witnesses we spoke to said he had a phone to his ear and was walking to the aircraft quickly, defying ground crew shouting to him, ‘Stop! Stop!’
“Within seconds the tragic accident occurred. It was horrific.”
Friends and family have paid tribute to Jack
But Jack Stanton-Gleaves, 20, was in the helicopter with the victim and rubbished claims he was on his phone adding that no instructions were given.
He told MailOnline that passengers disembarked on their own and were not escorted to a private lounge. Instead, the accident happened before the lounge was reached, he claims.
Daisy, a student at the University of Manchester, also questioned why her brother would try to get a selfie at the back of the helicopter while it was dark.
Jack was hit by the blade of a Bell-407 helicopter
In tribute to her brother, Daisy said: “He was honestly the loveliest boy. He was a bit on the shy side, everyone loved him because he was there for a chat, he was a family man. It’s such a shame – he was such a great boy.”
The family now awaiting the return of Jack’s remains.
According to local reports, the pilot and two ground technicians have appeared before a prosecutor, testifying in connection to the incident, and were subsequently released.
“All three face charges of negligent homicide,” a spokesman for the Greek police said. “How the accident happened is still under investigation. It was a very unfortunate incident. We hope that the British man’s family will stay strong.”
Mr Fenton’s friends are understood to have given evidence to investigators and local media said all three had returned to the UK.
The investigation is expected to probe why the helicopter’s engine was still on when the passengers came off.
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Greece and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism
By registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists
{{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}
By clicking ‘Create my account’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.
Already have an account? sign in
By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.
Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism
By registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists
{{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}
By clicking ‘Create my account’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.
Already have an account? sign in
By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Jack Fenton died instantly after being hit by the helicopter rear rotor
Daisy (L) said Jack (R) was a family man loved by everyone
Jack with his father Miguel (R) and sister Daisy (L)
Friends and family have paid tribute to Jack
Jack was hit by the blade of a Bell-407 helicopter
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in
Or if you would prefer: