Elderly Man Stopped at Tenerife Airport with Deceased Wife in Wheelchair

An 80-year-old man was apprehended at Tenerife South Airport in Spain as he attempted to board a flight with the body of his deceased wife seated in a wheelchair. This shocking incident triggered immediate alarms among airport security, resulting in a formal investigation by local authorities.

During security checks, staff observed that the woman was entirely unresponsive and had a dangerously low body temperature. Authorities later confirmed that she had died several hours before the attempted boarding.

Airport personnel swiftly activated emergency procedures, leading to the arrival of security staff, Civil Guard members, and forensic experts to conduct an in-depth investigation.

The man informed authorities that his wife had died at the airport, stating that the airport facilities were responsible for her demise. Consequently, police detained him to investigate if there would be any criminal implications.

This unusual event has raised questions about the efficacy and diligence of airport screening protocols. It echoes a previous case in late 2025, where a British family reportedly attempted to fly with a deceased relative in a wheelchair, although some aspects of that case were later clarified by airline representatives.

An airport employee reported that a security guard noticed the woman’s cold hand and lack of breath when he took control of the wheelchair, prompting alerts to supervisors and the immediate initiation of emergency procedures.

Investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover any potential criminal responsibility in this case.

This event follows another recent incident where an elderly woman passed away during a flight, contradicting earlier assertions that she had boarded the plane already deceased.