Family accused of attempting to bring dead grandmother’s body on easyJet flight by saying she was ‘just tired’
A family have been accused of trying to bring the dead body of their elderly relative onto a flight by telling the crew the woman was “just tired”.
Passengers and crew on an easyJet flight from Malaga to Gatwick were horrified when they discovered a British woman sitting on the plane was actually dead.
The 89-year-old’s body has been brought onto the plane by the woman’s family in a wheelchair. Her body was then lifted into her seat.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.EasyJet said the woman had been given a certificate which declared she was able to fly prior to the incident but did not confirm her time of death.
As she was wheeled onto the plane, some travellers observed that she seemed unresponsive, especially when she was lifted into her seat, The Mirror reported.
Petra Boddington, who was on the flight, said she was shocked that the woman had been allowed to board the plane.
“I know it’s not funny because somebody did actually die but easyJet ground staff actually allowed someone that looked completely dead onto the plane and then, funnily enough, just as we were about to take off they died,” Ms Boddington said.
“To the naked eye, she looked like she was already dead, slumped unconscious in a wheelchair.
“So why would she be allowed onto the flight and then disrupt everyone’s plans … purely to save the family repatriation?”
Malaga authorities confirmed they were called to the scene and that the woman was pronounced dead on the aircraft.
An easyJet spokesperson said the woman had required medical assistance but died.
“Flight EZY8070 from Málaga to London Gatwick returned to stand prior to departure due to a customer onboard requiring urgent medical assistance,” the spokesperson said.
“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.”
