THE devastated family of a Runcorn man who died suddenly after becoming unwell on a flight have launched an appeal to repatriate his body.
It was confirmed that a Jet2.com passenger had died following a flight to Liverpool last week.
The crew on board flight LS3214 from Burgas in Bulgaria to Liverpool John Lennon Airport declared a medical emergency around two hours in on September 16.
The Boeing 737-800 aircraft was diverted to Cologne, Germany, with the passenger, who suffered a heart attack, passing shortly after being taken off the plane.
It has since been confirmed that the man was Chris Neill, a 40-year-old dad-of-two from Runcorn.
An off-duty paramedic on the flight, Rach-Victoria Leyland, after being given permission from Chris’ family, has explained what happened.
She said: “I attended a medical emergency on the flight home from Bulgaria. I was asked to assist with a 40-year-old man with chest pain.
“It was apparent to me that Chris was suffering from a massive heart attack.
“I did a few checks and interventions and made the decision to tell the crew that the pilot needed to do an emergency landing.
“I managed, with the help of an off-duty colonoscopy nurse and the crew, to get Chris to the front of the plane so I had space in case Chris needed any emergency care.
“Sadly after a few minutes of being sat at the front of the plane, Chris had a small seizure and went into cardiac arrest.
“Between myself, the crew and the nurse, we attached a defibrillator and started chest compressions instantly, working for more than 30 mins.
“Chris sadly passed away in hospital not so long after.”
She said that Chris’ father, Malcolm Neill, sent her some flowers at her work to thank her, and discussions revealed that he was not in fact covered by travel insurance as first thought.
“Sadly, I did not manage to save Chris’ life, despite all our efforts, but I am going to do my utmost to help him get Chris home to his family where he belongs, so they can put him to rest,” she added.
“This family has been through enough. Please help them by donating as much as you can spare. This means the world to me.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Chris’ father to help bring his son’s body home, and this has already raised almost £21,500.
If you would like to donate, visit gofundme.com/f/4nd5c-help-bring-christopher-home
On the page, Malcolm said: “Chris passed away on his way home from a holiday in Bulgaria with his children. The plane diverted to Germany, where Chris now lies.
“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 approximately £12,000 to £15,000 to get him home, which his parents just do not have.
“Please help to bring Chris home for his parents’ and kids’ sake. Thank you from all the family and friends of Chris."
In an update, it was added that anything above the funds needed to bring Chris’ body back to the UK will be placed in a trust for his two sons to access later in life.
A Jet2.com spokesman said: “We can confirm that flight LS3214 from Burgas to Liverpool diverted to Cologne on Monday, September 16, 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.”
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