'Talented' Brit pilot, 24, found dead at US Navy base with shotgun wound

A "talented" pilot who was discovered dead at a US Navy suffered a fatal shotgunwound to his head, an inquesthas heard.

Brit Costas Georgellis, 24, was learning to be a fighter pilot at NavalAir Station Corpus Christi in Texas, before he died on April 29. Assistant coroner for West London Richard Furniss believes his death has the “hallmarks of suicide”. Tributes have since flooded in for the Loughborough University graduate, who has been described as "one in a million" by his friends. His loved ones paid their respects at his funeral which was given full military honours in Amersham, Buckinghamshire.

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His mother and father said his “infectious laugh and kind heart made the world a better place”. The tribute, which was posted online, said: “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.”

His university hockey team paid tribute on social media and said he was a "cherished part of our club", reports The Sun. They said: “We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of our former teammate, committee member and friend, Costas Georgellis. Costas was a cherished part of our club, known for his kindness, welcoming spirit and of course his backhand hit through his legs.”

His close pal Morgan said: "Costas very quickly became a very close friend of mine at university after he came back from his placement at QinetiQ and we began sharing classes. I have countless great memories with him, from being in his first flight after achieving his pilot’s license, watching the spitfire take off beside us, to standing out in the pouring rain at the international air tattoo with the F-22s roaring past and shaking us to our core."

He added: "He had a way of creating this relaxed, carefree energy that I’m not sure I’ll ever find again. It is rare that you find anyone without a bad bone in their body; someone who you knew without a doubt would always have your back no matter what.

"Costas was that person. A great friend, a talented man, and someone who I will always miss not being in my corner."

The inquest was adjourned until the US authorities send further documents and records. A fundraiser has been launched to support mental health charity, Mind. You can donate here.

For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.