'Kind and welcoming' British pilot found dead at US Navy base with gunshot wound
A24-year-old British pilot was found dead at a US Navy base with a gun shot wound to his head, an inquest heard.
Costas Georgellis died on April 29 this year while training to be a fighter pilot at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in Nueces County, Texas.
Assistant coroner for West London Richard Furniss said the death had the 'hallmarks of suicide', The Sun reports.
He did not say whether a criminal investigation was under way.
The inquest was adjourned while the court waits for further details and records from authorities in the US.
Former Loughborough University student, Costas, received a funeral with full military honours, in Amersham in Buckinghamshire, where his parents live.
Mourners were encouraged to wear red, white and blue, the colours of his birth country and of his adopted country, the US as well as purple, the colour of Loughborough University's hockey team, which he was a member of.
His parents also set up a fundraising page in aid of mental health charities Mind and US charity, Brandon Caserta Foundation. More than £2,000 was donated.
Loughborough University's men's hockey team paid tribute on Instagram, writing: 'We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of our former teammate, committee member and friend, Costas Georgellis. More Trending
'Costas was a cherished part of our club, known for his kindness, welcoming spirit and of course his backhand hit through his legs.'
Meanwhile his parents said their son's 'infectious laugh and kind heart made the world a better place'.
Writing on the fundraising page they added: 'He lived an amazing life, full of adventure, always pursuing his dreams with determination and bravery. He will never be forgotten.
'We invite all of those whose life he touched to share their memories and photos below for family and friends to cherish.'
Samaritans are here to listen, day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org for more information.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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