A passenger who died after falling ill on his way back to Liverpool from Bulgaria has been named, as his grieving family set up a fundraiser to ‘help bring him home’.
Father-of-two Chris Neill was travelling back from Bourgas with sons Reece, 19, and eight-year-old Archie when he felt unwell on the Jet2 flight.
The plane made an emergency landing in Cologne, Germany, where he was led off the plane to the awaiting emergency service.
But as the 40-year-old walked down the steps from the plane to the runway, he collapsed and later died from a suspected heart attack.
A GoFundMe has since been set up by Chris’s parents, Malcom and Lesley, who are raising funds to bring their son’s body back to the UK and organise a funeral for him.
Chris Neill with sons Reece and Archie, with whom he had been travelling
Chris Neill with sons Reece, 17, and Archie, eight, at Everton’s Goodison Park ground
Father-of-two Chris Neill (pictured) was travelling back from Bourgas with sons Reece, 19, and Archie, 8, when he felt unwell on the flight on Monday, September 16
Around 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.
Within the first five hours of being set up, the fundraiser has raised almost £7000 pounds of its £15,000 goal.
Writing on the GoFundMe page, Malcom Neill said: ‘Chris passed away on his way home from holiday in Bulgaria with his children. The plane diverted to Germany where Chris now lays.
‘We believe Chris thought he had insurance through his bank account but it transpires he had let the renewal expire.
‘It is going to cost approx £12-£15,000 to get him home which his parents just don’t have.
‘Please help bring Chris home for his parents and kids sake. Thank you from all the family and friends of Chris. PLEASE DONATE TODAY.’
According to his social media profile, Mr Neill was a self-employed plasterer living in the Isle of Man.
His father told Mail Online that his son’s death was ‘tragic’ and appealed for help ‘to help us get him home’.
Former colleague William Wren posted: ‘Chris worked for us in the Isle of Man whilst he was living here.
‘Was a really nice chap. Can’t believe it! It’s so sad. Sorry to everyone connected to Chris for your loss.’
A Jet2 spokesperson said: ‘We can confirm that flight LS3214 from Bourgas to Liverpool John Lennon diverted to Cologne on Monday 16th September, due to a customer requiring medical assistance. Regrettably, we can confirm that the customer sadly passed away.
A GoFundMe has since been set up by Chris’s parents, Malcom and Lesley, who are raising funds to bring their son’s body back to the UK and organise a funeral for him.
‘We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the customer’s family and friends at this very difficult time.’
Jet2 flight LS3214 left Burgas for the UK with Chris and his sons onboard just after 1pm local time on Monday last week.
Around 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 from a cardiac arrest, and despite the best efforts of passengers and crew on board, he tragically died.
The plane was parked in a remote area of Cologne airports, according to AirLive, and a medical team rushed to the scene.
The flight’s return to the UK was delayed until later that evening.
