(WKRC) - An elderly man was arrested after allegedly attempting to board a flight with his deceased wife.

The incident occurred during routine security screening at Tenerife South Airport when the 80-year-old man tried to pass through a metal detector with his wife seated in a wheelchair, Irish Star reported. Airport staff became concerned after noticing the woman was unresponsive, according to reports.

Security personnel determined that the woman was not breathing and had an unusually low body temperature. The man initially told authorities his wife had died several hours earlier inside the airport.

Irish Star reported that airport operator Aena confirmed the incident, which occurred several months ago, and said no similar cases have been reported since. Emergency protocols were activated, with the area secured and senior security staff and emergency services notified.

Local authorities said an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.