Dad collapses and dies in front of his children on flight home from holiday

Chris Neill
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A dad who collapsed and died in front of his children on a flight back home from holiday has been named as Chris Neill.

The 40-year-old fell ill on a Jet2 plane from Bourgas in Bulgaria to Liverpool John Lennon Airport last Monday afternoon (September 16). The dad-of-two was travelling with his sons Reece, 19, and Archie, 9, at the time.

The LS3214 flight made an emergency landing at Cologne, where emergency crews were waiting on the runway for Mr Neill. However sadly, as he walked down the plane steps to the ground, he collapsed.

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It is believed he suffered a severe heart attack and died, the ECHO reports. A GoFundMe has since been set up by Chris' parents, Mal and Lesley, who are raising funds to repatriate Chris and organise his funeral.

At the time of publication, £5,700 had been raised from 156 donations towards the £15,000 target. It comes as it was revealed by the family that Chris believed he had travel insurance through his bank, Halifax, but it had lapsed without renewal, leaving the family to foot the bill.

The GoFundMe page read: "Help bring Chris Neill home. Chris passed away on his way home from holiday in Bulgaria with his children.

"The plane diverted to Germany where Chris now lays. We believe Chris thought he had insurance through his bank account but it transpires he had let the renewal expire.

"It is going to cost approx £12-£15,000 to get him home which his parents just don't have. Please help bring Chris home for his parents and kids sake.

"Thank you from all the family and friends of Chris. PLEASE DONATE TODAY."

The GoFundMe page has raised £5,700 so far
The GoFundMe page has raised £5,700 so far

A Jet2 spokesperson said: "We can confirm that flight LS3214 from Bourgas to Liverpool John Lennon diverted to Cologne on Monday 16th September, due to a customer requiring medical assistance. Regrettably, we can confirm that 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 16th September 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."

To read more, or donate, click here.

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