Tributes to beloved father who died after turbulence hit Singapore Airlines flight

Tributes have been pouring in for a popular theatre director and father who died during severe turbulence onboard a Singapore Airlines flight. Geoff Kitchen, 73, suffered a suspected heart attack on the plane which left from Heathrow and was diverted to Bangkok after a medical emergency was declared.

Seven other people were seriously hurt and dozens more suffered minor injuries when the plane encountered “sudden extreme turbulence” over Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000ft about 10 hours after departure. One passenger on board Flight SQ321 to Singapore said the plane suffered a “dramatic drop”, meaning people not wearing a seatbelt were “launched immediately into the ceiling”.

Neighbours and friends in Thornbury, Gloucestershire, have today paid tribute to Geoff and spoken of their shock. His son Stuart Kitchen said today (May 22) he wanted more time before speaking about his father and was still figuring things out.

But others who knew him spoke of an 'amazing friend' who 'should have been on the trip of a lifetime.' Authorities said seven other people were seriously injured during the incident, with dozens more suffering minor injuries.

Jill Dimond, 71, who is retired, met Geoff through musical theatre connections. Having also lived on the same road as him, Jill described him as an “amazing friend”.

She added: "He was witty, clever, sharp and caring. His death will have an enormous impact on the community in Thornbury, especially to do with the amateur performance and musical theatre.”

Another neighbour, who gave her name as Valerie, said she would see Geoff on the street and described him as “a very nice person”. She added: “He was a very pleasant chap. It has been a bit of a shock that it is somebody that you know and right here.”

Another resident said Geoff would often stop for a chat and had given him advice on loft conversions. The neighbour said: “He was a nice chap, we’d walk up the street and chat now and again.

"I was shocked to hear what had happened on the way to what should have been the trip of a lifetime. I thought 'why are there police cars on a street like this?' This morning I looked at the news and thought that looks like Geoff who lives down the street. It was a shock, terrible. It’s not a very nice way to go.”

Another neighbour said: “It’s so sad for the street.”

Geoff's son Stuart Ktichen declined to comment this morning and added: "My sister had put out a statement. She has said what she wants to say and I will say something when I need to. I’m still trying to figure things out."

Thornbury Musical Theatre Group have also released a series of pictures of Geoff, who had been associated with them for decades. A spokesperson for the group said: "It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the devastating news of the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend Geoff Kitchen in the recent Singapore Air Incident.

"Geoff was always a gentleman with the utmost honesty and integrity and always did what was right for the group."

"His commitment to TMTG was unquestionable and he has served the group and the local community of Thornbury for over 35 years, holding various offices within the group, including Chairman, Treasurer and most recently Secretary.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and the family at this difficult time, and we ask that you respect their privacy."

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said it was supporting Geoff's family. Singapore Airlines said the flight encountered "sudden extreme turbulence" over Myanmar's Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000ft about 10 hours after departure. The pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted the plane to Bangkok.