A man tragically died on board an easyJet flight while travelling to the UK. The plane was flying from Cyprus to Gatwick Airport when the man became unwell mid-flight.
Cabin crew desperately tried to resuscitate the passenger using a defibrillator, but he sadly passed away. Other passengers first alerted staff when the dark-haired man, believed to be in his 50s, wasn't waking up.
He appeared to be travelling alone. An anonymous source praised the easyJet crew for their 'composure and professionalism' while handling the upsetting incident, the Daily Star reports.
The emergency response was led by a young air steward. A passenger on board said: "She's done absolutely amazingly, must be so tricky. The team handled the situation with extraordinary composure and professionalism."
Most of those onboard Flight EZY8454 were travelling back home after holidaying in Paphos. The aircraft took off from the Greek island at 2.20pm local time (12.20pm GMT). Concerns for the man's welfare were expressed to staff at roughly 3.40pm GMT.
Cabin crew calmly made an inflight announcement asking if anyone onboard was a certified doctor or paramedic. Two people offered to help, but unfortunately they were unable to assist beyond the first aid response already being carried out by staff.
When a man who claimed to be a nurse asked the crew if he was still breathing, a visibly shaking air steward told him: "We can't say anything sir."
After another passenger in the window seat beside the man was helped out and given a new seat, staff set up the defibrillator at row 18. As colleagues desperately tried to restart his heart using the shock machine, a robotic voice from the device could be heard intermittently saying "breathe, breathe".
An air steward also told the two rows behind the man: "There are aisle seats at the back if you'd like to move." A couple directly behind him quickly offered to help.
Once his condition was confirmed, the crew looked out for the deceased passenger's luggage. As the plane passed over Paris, France, at 4.28pm GMT, the flight's captain confirmed there had been a "medical incident" and asked everyone to please treat the dead man with dignity.
Out of formality, he added: "I hope you've enjoyed the flight with us today."
Once the plane touched down at Gatwick, passengers were told to remain in their seats so that paramedics could board and pronounce the man's death.
An easyJet spokesperson state: "EasyJet can confirm that sadly a passenger died onboard flight EZY8454 from Paphos to London Gatwick on 17 November.
"The well-being of our passengers and crew is always easyJet's highest priority. Our crew are trained to respond to medical issues and did all possible during the flight.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the customer and we are offering support and assistance at this difficult time."
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