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Tributes have been paid to a Briton who died in a helicopter crash in Greece.
Jack Fenton, 22, from Kent, was reportedly killed when he was struck by the helicopter’s rear engine near the Greek capital Athens on Monday.
He is said to have been traveling with friends and returning from Mykonos in the Bell 407 helicopter when the incident occurred.
Mr Fenton’s mother, Victoria, described her son as “wonderful” and said the family were “devastated”.
She said: “We only found out what had happened at 10pm last night. We are completely devastated. He was the most wonderful boy.
“I think the pilot is in custody, but it was the worst accident by the looks of it.”
She added that her son got out of the helicopter safely after it landed, but went behind it and was killed instantly by the rear propeller.
Three people, including a pilot, have been arrested in connection with his death.
Mr Fenton is believed to have been returning from the island of Mykonos with three friends. Credit: Nicolas Economou / NurPhoto / PA Images
Mr Fenton, who is reported to have studied at Oxford Brookes University, was described as “very popular” by the headmaster of his former school in Maidstone.
James Thomas, headteacher at Sutton Valence School, said: “Our school was very saddened to hear the tragic news about Jack this morning.
“He was a very popular member of the community and we send our condolences to the family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the incident.
The lead investigator is looking into reports that the man was escorted off the plane but then returned, at which point screams were heard.
The lead researcher, Ioannis Kondilis, said: “The helicopter company management has two operating protocols, one with the rotors off and one with the rotors still running. The second happened last night.
“Under this protocol, two ground attendants escort passengers safely away from the aircraft.
“Yesterday, the deceased got off the right side and was accompanied by the helicopter 20 meters away.
“One of the two attendants stayed with the passengers, but the other went back to the plane to speak to the pilot.
“The man then returned to the plane while holding his phone according to the three witnesses (pilot, ground escort).”
A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We are supporting the family of a Briton who died in Greece and are in contact with the local authorities.”
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