The name of a passenger who died after falling ill during his return journey to Liverpool from Bulgaria has been revealed, as his grieving family organised a fundraiser to “help him get home”.
Father-of-two Chris Neill was travelling back from Burgas with his sons Reece, 19, and Archie, eight, when he became unwell on the Jet2 flight.
The plane made an emergency landing in Cologne, Germany, where he was taken off the plane to the waiting emergency services.
But as the 40-year-old was walking down the plane’s stairs to the runway, he collapsed and later died of a suspected heart attack.
Chris’ parents, Malcolm and Lesley, have since set up a GoFundMe account to raise funds to bring their son’s body back to the UK and arrange a funeral for him.
Chris Neill with his sons Reece and Archie, with whom he had been travelling.
Chris Neill with his sons Reece, 17, and Archie, eight, at Everton’s Goodison Park
Father-of-two Chris Neill (pictured) was returning from Burgas with his sons Reece, 19, and Archie, eight, when he fell unwell on the flight on Monday 16 September.
About two hours into the flight to Liverpool from Burgas, the crew declared an emergency (file image)
The family revealed on the fundraising page that Chris believed he had travel insurance through his bank, Halifax, but it had lapsed without renewal.
In the first five hours since its creation, the fundraising event has raised almost £7,000 of its £15,000 target.
On the GoFundMe page, Malcolm Neill wrote: “Chris passed away on his way home from a holiday in Bulgaria with his children. The plane was diverted to Germany where Chris is now.”
We think Chris thought he had insurance through his bank account, but it turns out he had let the renewal expire.
‘It will cost around £12,000 to £15,000 to bring him home, something his parents simply don’t have.
‘Please help bring Chris home for the sake of his parents and children. Thank you from all of Chris’ family and friends. PLEASE DONATE TODAY.’
According to his social media profile, Mr Neill was a self-employed plasterer living on the Isle of Man.
His father told Mail Online that his son’s death was “tragic” and asked for help “to help us bring him home”.
His former colleague William Wren posted: ‘Chris worked for us on the Isle of Man while he lived here.
“He was a very nice guy. I can’t believe it! It’s so sad. I’m sorry for your loss and for everyone who was connected to Chris.”
A Jet2 spokesperson said: “We can confirm that flight LS3214 from Burgas to Liverpool John Lennon was diverted to Cologne on Monday 16 September due to a customer requiring medical assistance. Sadly, we can confirm that the customer has passed away.
Chris’ parents, Malcolm and Lesley, have since set up a GoFundMe account to raise funds to bring their son’s body back to the UK and arrange a funeral for him.
‘We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the client’s family and friends at this difficult time.’
Jet2 flight LS3214 departed Burgas for the UK with Chris and his children on board shortly after 1pm local time last Monday.
Approximately two hours into the flight, the crew declared an emergency due to a medical situation involving a man on board.
The pilots requested an immediate diversion and the Boeing 737-800 landed in Germany after a rapid descent.
Chris was was reportedly Suffering cardiac arrest, and despite the best efforts of the passengers and crew on board, he tragically died.
The plane was parked in a remote area of Cologne airport, AirLive reported, and a medical team was called to the scene.
The flight’s return to the UK was delayed until later that evening.
