A man trying to fly back to London for a life-saving blood transfusion had his passport rejected by British Airways staff because he did not "match" his passport picture, his mum has claimed.
Chaz Carl Powell had been visiting his girlfriend in Montego Bay, Jamaica but was due to return as he was suffering with sickle cell anaemia.
The 41-year-old had "put on weight" and "grown dreads" since his passport photo was taken.
His passport was also "slightly damaged", but his driving licence was in perfect condition.
Chaz, from Camberwell, was due to have his six weekly blood transfusion as soon as he got home, but the missed flight meant he had to apply for emergency travel documents at the British Consulate instead.
On March 12, he died of apparent organ failure after his health spiralled out of control, MyLondon reports.
A British Airways said the company was saddened to hear about Chaz's death, adding airport staff did what they could to help but the passport was too badly damaged to be considered as a valid travel document.
Chaz's mum, Sandra Powell, 60, claims her son should have been let on the flight home.
Sandra, a Southwark Council officer, said: "I can't talk about it, I do not even want to think about it.
"To know that he actually went on holiday and it's something he would do on a regular basis.
"That should never have happened, they had no right to take control of my son's life."
Sandra admitted she was in "complete shock" over her son's death.
The devastated mum added Chaz would drive her around whenever she needed him, so much so "people thought he was my partner".
Chaz was also close to his grandma and the pair always went to their hospital appointments together.
Sandra added: "My mum has dementia, but when she sees all the flowers she keeps breaking down.
"I have to hide some of the cards so she will not read them."
Sandra claims her son's death was brought on by the stress of having his passport rejected.
"He had an arrangement for his nurse at Kings, as soon as he landed he would ring her for an appointment and come in to get his transfusion," she added.
Chaz's girlfriend Monique Allen, 30, reported that Chaz was complaining of stomach aches and finding it difficult to eat while he waited for new documents.
He collapsed while at Spanish Town Hospital and doctors were unable to resuscitate him.
Chaz was on regular painkillers and treatment, but the photo he took for his new travel documents showed he was suffering severe jaundice just before he died.
Cold, exercise, dehydration, and stress are all known to worsen symptoms of sickle cell.
A British Airways spokesperson said: "We're saddened to hear that one of our customers has passed away and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.
"Airlines are required by law to ensure that all documents presented for travel are valid.
"While our airport team did what they could to help Mr Powell, unfortunately the photo page of his passport was so badly damaged it could no longer be regarded as a valid travel document."
