American lawyer Rachel Green dies after falling asleep on mother’s shoulder on flight to London

An American lawyer travelling to the UK on a research trip suddenly died mid-flight after falling asleep on her mother’s shoulder, a coronial inquest has heard.

Rachel Green, 44, was on a seven hour flight to London from Minneapolis to conduct historical research for her book about Eleanor of Aquitaine, when she fell asleep and became unresponsive on April 30, 2025.

Cabin crew attempted to resuscitate the Minnesotan-born lawyer, but were unsuccessful.

According to an inquest presented at the West London Coroner’s Court, Ms Green had multiple prescription medications in her system at the time of her death, as well as an undiagnosed cardiac condition, as reported by SWNS.

The combination of the prescription medication — which included multiple anti-depressants, melatonin, and cannabidoids — and the heart condition “likely” lead to Ms Green’s death, the inquest reported, although she was not taking the medications in excess.

According to pathologist Dr Alan Bates, Ms Green’s heart was “normal” apart from a coronary artery which was covered by myocardial tunnelling.

“Her death appears to have been instantaneous,” Senior Coroner Lydia Brown said.

Ms Green had also received previous psychiatric care, which her sister Roxanne Carney questioned at the coronial inquest after she revealed her sister had reported an “abnormal” heart test which was not treated.

“I wonder why she was never referred to a cardiologist before being prescribed this combination,” she said.

“Why was she on this regimen? Why are they prescribing this combination of medications?”

Ms Carney posted a tribute to her “angel” sister in a GoFundMe post, describing her as “beyond selfless” and “always taking care of everyone around her”.

“She was finally writing again (side note: Rachel was secretly a brilliant writer) and on her way to London to further research her historical fiction on Eleanor of Aquitaine,” Ms Carney explained.

“We are at the greatest loss as we piece together a life without her physically present but forever with us.”

According to Ms Carney, her sister had become sick and was forced to return home to focus on her health before her untimely death.

“Rachel had spent the past couple of years recovering from an unexpected illness, relearning to walk, and having to relocate back to her hometown in Minnesota to recuperate,” Ms Carney said.

“She exuded unyielding strength and courage at even the most difficult times.”