Former Loughborough hockey star’s grieving parents raise thousands for mental health charities after ‘hallmarks of suicide’ finding
A promising 24-year-old British pilot training to fly fighter jets was found dead at a US Navy base with a gunshot wound to his head, an inquest has heard.
Costas Georgellis died on April 29 this year while pursuing his dream at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in Nueces County, Texas – one of America’s most prestigious pilot training facilities.
Assistant coroner for West London Richard Furniss told the hearing the death had the “hallmarks of suicide,” The Sun reports, though he did not confirm whether American authorities had launched a criminal investigation.
The young aviator’s devastated parents laid their son to rest with full military honours in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, where they encouraged mourners to wear red, white and blue – representing both his British heritage and his adopted American home.
A life cut tragically short
The former Loughborough University student had been living his childhood dream of becoming a fighter pilot when tragedy struck at the sprawling Texas base that has trained naval aviators since 1941.
Georgellis received a funeral service at Chilterns Crematorium on May 31, where friends and family gathered to celebrate a young man whose “infectious laugh and kind heart made the world a better place.
In a touching tribute to their son’s university days, mourners were also invited to wear purple – the colours of Loughborough University’s hockey team where he had been a beloved member.
His heartbroken parents wrote on a fundraising page: “He lived an amazing life, full of adventure, always pursuing his dreams with determination and bravery. He will never be forgotten.”
Hockey brotherhood mourns
Loughborough University men’s hockey team, where Georgellis had forged lifelong friendships, paid an emotional tribute on Instagram.
We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of our former teammate, committee member and friend, Costas Georgellis,” they wrote.
The team remembered him as someone “known for his kindness, welcoming spirit and of course his backhand hit through his legs.”
Former teammates flooded social media with memories of the young man who had touched so many lives during his time at the prestigious Midlands university.
Mental health mission
In the wake of their devastating loss, Georgellis’s parents have channeled their grief into helping others, setting up a fundraising page for mental health charities Mind and the US-based Brandon Caserta Foundation.
More than £2,000 has already been donated by friends, family and teammates moved by the tragedy.
We invite all of those whose life he touched to share their memories and photos below for family and friends to cherish,” his parents wrote on the memorial page.
Elite training ground
Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, where the tragedy occurred, is one of the US Navy’s most critical pilot training centers and headquarters of the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA).
The base, which played a vital role training naval aviators during World War II – including future President George H.W. Bush who earned his wings there in 1943 – continues to prepare the next generation of military pilots.
It was also home to the Blue Angels aerobatic team from 1951 to 1954, cementing its place in aviation history.
Inquest continues
The West London coroner’s court has adjourned the inquest while awaiting further details and records from US authorities.
Assistant coroner Furniss did not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the young pilot’s death or whether American investigators were treating it as suspicious.
Former teammates and friends continue to share memories of a young man who embodied the spirit of determination and adventure that drew him to the skies.
One hockey teammate wrote: “No one had a bad word to say about Costas and he was always friendly and a great person to be around. I will always look back very fondly on our times together. Rest in peace.”
A lasting legacy
As investigations continue on both sides of the Atlantic, Costas Georgellis’s legacy lives on through the mental health awareness his family champions in his memory.
His story serves as a stark reminder that even those who appear to be living their dreams may be fighting invisible battles.
The fundraising efforts in his name aim to ensure other young people struggling with mental health issues can access the support they need.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, help is available:
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.
In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988.
