Dad, 40, died 'moments after Jet2 flight made emergency landing'
A dad who collapsed moments after the Jet2 flight he was on made an emergency landing has died. Chris Neill was travelling with his two sons when he began to feel unwell on the plane.
The plane was heading to Liverpool John Lennon Airport after leaving Bourgas in Bulgaria. Pilots were forced to make an emergency landing in Cologne, Germany.
Dad-of-two Mr Neill, who was just 40, was led off the plane towards emergency services crew who were waiting for him. But he collapsed as he made his way down the steps from the plane to the runway.
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It was believed he suffered a heart attack, Liverpool Echo reports. A GoFundMe has since been launched by his parents Mal and Lesley.
They hope to raise funds to repatriate their son and organise his funeral. The family said Mr Neill had thought he had travel insurance through his bank but did not realise it had lapsed without renewal.
The flight left Burgas at about 1pm local time, noon BST, on Monday, September 16. The crew declared an emergency about two hours into the flight.
The flight landed in Germany at about 2.30pm local time before leaving seven hours later and arriving in Liverpool at about 10.30pm. A Jet2 spokesperson said: "We can confirm that flight LS3214 from Bourgas to Liverpool John Lennon diverted to Cologne on Monday, September 16, due to a customer requiring medical assistance.
"Regrettably, we can confirm the customer sadly passed away. We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the customer’s family and friends at this very difficult time."
A Liverpool John Lennon Airport spokesperson said: "We have been made aware that flight LS3214 from Bourgas to Liverpool diverted to Cologne on Monday, September 16, due to a passenger requiring medical assistance and that they sadly passed away.
"Our thoughts at this sad time are with the passenger’s family and friends, to whom we send our deepest condolences." See the fundraiser here.