"We're doing the investigation, no one else is" say family of 20-year-old found dead in hotel lift shaft
Tyler Kerry's family, from Basildon, have said authorities aren't doing enough
Last updated 6th Dec 2024
The family of an Essex man, who died after being found at the bottom of a lift shaft while on holiday, say they've been left to investigate it themselves.
Tyler Kerry from Basildon was found on Friday at the hotel he was staying at in Antalya, Turkey.
Tyler's brother, Mason believes he was murdered.
However, it's reported that Turkish police have said Tyler had been drinking and that there was no 'intervention' on his body.
The investigation
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, his Nan Collette Kerry said "I feel like we're doing the investigation and no one else is.
"The Turkish police, what have they done? Nothing.
"The British Embassy, where are they? Why have they not got in contact with me? Why have they not gone out there?"
Mrs Kerry added that police were "trying to make it out as a suicide or a fall."
The moment Tyler was found
Tyler's brother Mason Read spoke to us about the moment Tyler was discovered, saying "it was crazy, Molly Tyler's girlfriend asked two hotel workers if they'd seen a boy with no top on, they just pointed to the lift shaft.
Molly ran over and dropped to hear knees screaming Tyler get up."
Collette told us paramedics had attempted to shock Tyler to revive him, but they gave up.
She added that hotel staff boarded up the lift shaft, putting material around it so other residents couldn't see in.
This material was "stuff from Halloween that had handprints all over it with bloody handprints on it, and happy Halloween written in fake blood."
Turkish police begin investigations
Speaking about the police interviews, Mrs Kerry told us "There was no interpreter, our statements must have taken five minutes.
"All of a sudden we're being shouted at by the general manager, we have to go and identify the body.
"We were whisked away in a taxi and had to sit in a hut outside the mortuary for five hours.
"Only one person could identify the body, so my husband went in because I was frightened of going in and suffering a panic attack.
"I am fifty six years old, I have never ever suffered a panic attack and what I experienced was horrendous."
Ms Kerry told us they were given a death certificate that they haven't yet been able to translate.
What has happened to Tyler's belongings?
Collette says Tyler's trousers and vape, which she added was covered in blood, were thrown into a paper bag and given to Molly.
She told us she brought the vape back to the UK and still has it on her.
She added "that shows you there's foul play, because that vape was not in the lift shaft with his body."
Tyler's uncle has now set up a fundraising page to help with costs.
Nearly £6,000 has so far been raised.
In the appeal's description, Alex paid tribute to "a young man full of personality, kindness and compassion with his whole life ahead of him.
He was completely devoted to his family and girlfriend Molly."
He added "we are all absolutely devastated.
We are asking for any donations towards the unforeseen costs of dealing with the consequences of such a tragic incident, particularly the inevitable costs of laying Tyler to rest and ensuring he has a fitting and respectful funeral/memorial.
Any financial support at this difficult time will be gratefully received on behalf of the family.
Thank you in advance for your kindness and consideration."
An Essex Police spokesperson said: “We are liaising with the British Consulate to see if we can assist the family of a British man who has died in Turkey.”
A spokesperson from the Foreign Office (FCDO) said:
“We provided support to the family of a British man who died in Turkey and were in contact with the local authorities.”