Heartbreak as ‘wonderful boy’ killed in helicopter tragedy
The mother of a young man killed after being struck by a helicopter blade has spoken of her devastation at the loss of her “wonderful boy”.
Jack Fenton, 22, died after walking behind the aircraft while on holiday in Greece. It had landed in Athens after he and his friends had been visiting Mykonos.
Local Greek media Open TV claimed the former Maidstone schoolboy, who attended Sutton Valence boarding school, was taking a selfie when he was hit on the head by the rotor - something strenuously denied by his friends and family.
His parents – including The Hop Farm’s head of marketing and PR, Miguel Fenton – paid tribute to their son.
His mother Victoria, speaking from her home in Tonbridge,
told the MailOnline the family were “completely devastated” by the loss of their “wonderful boy”.
She explained: “Jack had travelled to Greece with some of his friends, a couple who were celebrating birthdays out there.”
Emergency services were called to the scene on Monday but the student was killed instantly.
The pilot who witnessed the incident radioed to his colleague, who was following in a second helicopter with other members of the travelling group, and warned him of what had happened.
The pilot diverted from the private airport on the outskirts of the Greek capital and made an unscheduled landing at Athens International Airport.
Police are now investigating why Mr Fenton was allowed to leave the aircraft while the rotors were still spinning.
The pilot and two airport officials were arrested on suspicion of negligence and appeared before a prosecutor on Tuesday.
It is understood they have now been released without charge, as the prosecutor’s investigation must first be completed into the cause of the tragedy.
Greek investigators said Mr Fenton left the helicopter with his three friends but, after disembarking, it is believed he returned without escort to the landing spot where the helicopter’s rotor was still running.
Mr Fenton’s friends who are all in their 20s also gave statements before returning to the UK.
Sutton Valence head teacher James Thomas said: “Our school was very sad to hear the tragic news.
“He was a very popular member of the community, and we have sent our condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the incident.”
Mr Fenton was also a keen footballer who played in Maidstone leagues as a youngster.