The family of a disabled grandad who died at an airport last month have paid tribute to the Manchester United fan who 'really enjoyed life'. Gerardo Silano, 82, fractured his spinal cord falling down a staircase at Gatwick Airport.
The grandad-of-four had been waiting for assistance to leave an EasyJet flight before leaving on foot. He reportedly died after falling from an escalator going up from the runway level to a tunnel. Many UK airports at the time were struggling with staff shortages at the time, with reports of disabled passengers waiting for hours for assistance to be taken off planes.
Mr Silano had just returned from Naples with his wife Irma, 78, and son Paul, 49. He fell down the staircase around 12.50pm and despite the best efforts of staff died from his injuries.
His son Raffaele has now paid tribute to his dad who lived for his kids and was a big United fan. He told The Sun : "Dad lived for us boys and mum and the grandkids. He was a super relaxed, very calm sort of guy.
“He was a massive football fan. He loved Man Utd and would go up to Old Trafford.
"For his 80th birthday we booked a VIP trip in a box at the stadium and dad loved that day. As an Italian football fan, seeing us win the Euros last year was amazing and we went to Wembley together for the semi-final.
"Dad was a hard worker who spent his life doing manual work, but he was always smiling. He really enjoyed life.”
Gatwick Airport said Mr Silano, of Basingstoke, Hampshire, was one of three disabled passengers who required assistance to be taken off the plane. A spokesperson said at the time: "This is a sad and tragic incident and our thoughts remain with the family of the deceased.
"A member of Wilson James staff was waiting when the aircraft arrived and was in the process of disembarking the three PRM passengers when the incident occurred. Staff shortages were not a factor in this incident as has been claimed. It is normal for one staff member to disembark three passengers who require assistance by taking them one at a time the short distance to the waiting buggy."
An EasyJet spokesman added: "A number of our cabin crew provided medical assistance to a passenger at Gatwick whilst waiting for paramedics. However, the passenger sadly passed away."
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