A young woman was on her way to visit her family in India for the first time in four years when she died on a Qantas flight just before takeoff in Australia.
Manpreet Kaur, 24, suffered a medical episode after boarding the plane at Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne on June 20.
Ms Kaur was immediately given medical assistance before she died in front of worried passengers. She is believed to have died of tuberculosis.
The plane was bound for Delhi, where Kaur’s family lives. The 24-year-old had not seen her family since moving to Australia in March 2020.
A Qantas spokesman said both the flight crew and emergency services had attempted to provide medical assistance.
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones,” the Qantas spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
Kaur’s friend Gurdip Grewal said the 24-year-old had been feeling unwell in the hours before she arrived at the airport.
“When he got on the plane, he was struggling to put his seat belt on,” he said.
A woman who died on board a Qantas flight from Melbourne to Delhi, Manpreet Kaur (pictured), was returning home to join her family, it has been revealed.
“Just before his flight began, he fell in front of his seat and died instantly.”
Roommate Kuldeep told Herald of the Sun Ms Kaur worked at Australia Post and wanted to become a chef.
“She was kind and honest,” he said.
‘He loved traveling with his friends around Victoria.’
Mr. Grewal launched a GoFundMe in an attempt to raise money for his family.
“Our dear friend Manpreet left us too soon, leaving a void in our lives that can never be filled,” he wrote.
“As we mourn his passing, we want to come together to honor his memory and support his family in this time of need.”
The fundraiser has raised just under $25,000 of its $30,000 goal with over 670 donations made in just five days.
“Your support means a lot to us and Manpreet’s family, helping them get through this difficult time,” Grewal wrote.
Victoria Police are preparing a report for the coroner.
“As the matter is before the coroner, we will not be commenting further,” a spokeswoman said.