A British Airways crew member was found dead in a hotel room during a stopover between flights, the airline has confirmed.
The male crew member had travelled from the UK to San Francisco on Tuesday, staying in the city before a scheduled return flight.
Colleagues became concerned when he failed to report for duty on Thursday and alerted hotel management.
Staff then escorted them to his room, where he was discovered dead. It is believed he may have been there for up to two days.
The BA 284 flight from San Francisco International Airport to London Heathrow was then cancelled, after being due to depart at 4.20pm on April 17.
It is understood the man’s colleagues were too upset to fly after the grim discovery was made.
Travel plans for up to 850 passengers were disrupted, with no explanation provided for the flight's cancellation.
It remains unclear how long he lay undiscovered in his hotel room, though it is believed he may have been there for up to two days.
A source told The Sun: “There was no way the flight back from San Francisco could go ahead. Staff were in absolute bits at the sudden loss of their friend.”
Airline bosses are now trying to unravel the mystery surrounding the man’s death.
Pilots who had already gone to the airport to prepare for the flight returned to the hotel to support their colleagues.
British Airways confirmed that the man was a member of crew.
In statement to the Sun they said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of our colleague at this difficult time.”
