- For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116123 or visit www.samaritans.org
A British pilot was found dead at an American Navy base after suffering a gunshot wound to the head, an inquest has reportedly heard.
Costas Georgellis, 24, died on April 29 at the Naval Air Station Corpus Christie, in Nueces County, Texas, where he had been training to become a fighter pilot.
The Sun today reported that Richard Furniss, an assistant coroner for West London, suggested that Mr Georgellis’s death had the ‘hallmarks of suicide’.
However, Mr Furniss is said to have not confirmed whether a criminal investigation had been launched.
The newspaper said the inquest was adjourned until more information has been provided by authorities across the pond.
Mr Georgellis, who was a keen hockey player and Loughborough University graduate, was given a military-style funeral in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, where his parents live, on May 31.
Attendees were asked to wear colours that ‘reflect Costas’s life’ rather than the traditional black to the ceremony.
‘Red, white or blue – the colours of his birth country, his adopted country and his home hockey club – is one option,’ a memorial page for the 24-year-old read.
Costas Georgellis (above) died on April 29 at the Naval Air Station Corpus Christie, where he had been training to become a fighter pilot
Richard Furniss, an assistant coroner for West London, suggested that Mr Georgellis’s death had the ‘hallmarks of suicide’
Mr Georgellis was given a military-style funeral in Amersham on May 31
‘Whilst purple in memory of his Loughborough University hockey days is another. Or simply wear your favourite colour.’
Mr Georgellis’s parents also launched a fundraising page with the £2363 proceeds going to mental health charities, Mind, and The Brandon Caserta Foundation.
Loughborough University’s hockey team posted on social media that they were ‘heartbroken’ by Mr Georgellis’s death.
They wrote: ‘Costas was a cherished part of our club Known for his kindness, welcoming spirit and of course his backhand hit through his legs.’
Another tribute by Mr Georgellis’s parents said their son’s ‘infectious laugh’ and ‘kind heart’ made the world a ‘better place’.
They added: ‘He lived an amazing life, full of adventure, always pursuing his dreams with determination and bravery. He will never be forgotten.’
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116123 or visit www.samaritans.org
