Elderly Man Stopped at Tenerife Airport with Deceased Wife in Wheelchair

An 80-year-old man was apprehended at Tenerife South Airport in Spain while trying to board a plane with his deceased wife's body in a wheelchair. This alarming event immediately alerted airport security, prompting a formal investigation by local authorities.

During security checks, staff discovered that the woman was entirely unresponsive and exhibited an unusually low body temperature. Subsequent examinations confirmed that she had been deceased for several hours before their intended departure.

Airport staff promptly raised the alarm, triggering emergency protocols. Security teams, Civil Guard officers, and forensic specialists quickly arrived to investigate the situation thoroughly.

The man informed authorities that his wife had passed away at the airport and suggested that the airport's environment contributed to her death. Consequently, law enforcement detained him and began a formal inquiry to assess any potential charges.

This incident has raised significant questions about the thoroughness of airport security measures. Notably, a similar occurrence took place in late 2025, when a British family attempted to board with a deceased relative, although details regarding that case were later contested by airline representatives.

A security worker indicated that the guard noticed the woman's cold hand and lack of breathing when retrieving the wheelchair from the man, which led to immediate supervisor notification and activation of emergency protocols.

Authorities are actively investigating whether any criminal charges will result from this incident.

This event follows another recent report of an elderly woman who died during a flight, challenging previous statements that she had boarded the aircraft already deceased.