A woman who was onboard the easyJet flight where a woman was sadly found dead in her seat has described the ordeal, and criticised staff’s handling
Passengers on an easyJet flight have recalled the moment they discovered an elderly British woman had died abroad their plane, just moment before it was due to set off.
Witnesses on social media relatives of the 89-year-old boarded her onto the plane and told the cabin crew that she was unwell and had fallen asleep. However, the crew were shortly alerted after that the woman had died, prompting the emergency services to be called. Tracy-Ann Kitching, one of the passengers on the flight heading for Gatwick from Malaga claims she saw the woman being wheeled onto the plane and someone was “holding her head” as they went past to get to their seats.
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Sharing her outrage of the incident, Tracy-Ann wrote: “easyJet – you are unbelievable! Why did you let a dead person on our flight?!” She then blasted the Special Assistance team at the airport (who help board disabled or reduced mobility passengers) and said they “should have raised the issue” before she had even boarded.
Tracy-Ann wrote in a post on Facebook: “An actual doctor on board [confirmed] she was already dead when they put her in her seat,” but then shared empathy for the “poor person who died and the family as well as your cabin and ground crew”. The post further added: “What a terrible situation for them. I must also praise the First Officer [co-pilot] who came out and patiently answered our questions. He was professional and personable – thank you.”
After the group boarded the Malaga to Gatwick flight and got the elderly woman situated, the plane began its taxi journey to the end of the runway, but moments before take-off the plane dramatically stopped. According to witnesses, suspicious members of cabin crew staff had discovered that the passenger had sadly died.
As a result, the plane was turned around before it had even left the runway, with the flight from Spain to Gatwick ultimately delayed by 12 hours. Understandably fellow passengers had questions, with Tracy saying the co-pilot told them that he would write a report on what had happened using the testimonies of passengers. Passengers were offered food and drink vouchers due to the lengthy delay, but some complained this wasn’t enough for such a long delay.
A Malaga Civil Guard spokesman confirmed they were called onto the plane because of an elderly British woman, adding: “She was pronounced dead on the aircraft which had been due to leave Malaga for London just after 11am yesterday morning.” An easyJet spokesman said: “Flight EZY8070 from Malaga to London Gatwick returned to stand prior to departure due to a customer onboard requiring urgent medical assistance.
“The flight was met by emergency services however the customer sadly passed away. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the customer, and we are offering support and assistance at this difficult time. The wellbeing of our passengers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority and we would like to thank passengers for their understanding for the delay.”
