Man, 26, died at immigration centre in ‘unnatural circumstances’, coroner says
Theophile Kaliviotis was in custody at Brook House immigration removal centre near Gatwick airport awaiting deportation when he was found dead.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man found dead at an immigration detention centre is believed to have died from unnatural causes, a coroner has said.
Theophile Kaliviotis was in custody at Brook House immigration removal centre near Gatwick airport waiting to be deported when he was found dead by staff on October 27, an inquest opening heard.
Coroner’s court assistant Ken Jewell said: “The staff found Mr Kaliviotis in an unresponsive state.
“Despite best efforts Mr Kaliviotis was not able to be resuscitated and he sadly died at Brook House.”
The hearing in Brighton heard the 26-year-old was born in France, and a post-mortem examination was “unable to ascertain a medical cause of death”.
West Sussex, Brighton and Hove area coroner Joseph Turner said he had a duty to open the inquest, adding: “I have reason to believe circumstances of his death are unnatural.”
Interested persons have also been notified of the inquest proceedings which include Brook House, Sussex Police, the Home Office, Practice Plus Group, Serco, Prisons and Probation Ombudsman and a family member.
A further hearing will be heard on May 13 2025.