Family of father who died on Jet2 flight in entrance of children make heartbreaking plea

A Jet2 passenger on his way back home from a holiday in Bulgaria passed away in front of his two children.

The man, named as Chris Neill was travelling with sons, Reece 19 and Archie, eight, when he took ill on the flight from Bourgas to Liverpool last week. The plane made an emergency landing in Cologne, Germany, before the dad-of-two was led off to the awaiting emergency services.

But as he walked down the steps to the runway, the 40-year-old collapsed. It is believed he suffered a severe heart attack and died, the Liverpool Echo reports.

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A GoFundMe has since been set up by Chris’s devastated parents, Mal and Lesley, who are raising funds to repatriate Chris and organise his funeral.

They said that Chris believed he had travel insurance through his bank, Halifax, but it had lapsed without renewal, leaving his relatives to foot the bill.

The page states: “Help bring Chris Neill home.

“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.”

So far, more than £5,500 has been raised.

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.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the customer’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

A Liverpool John Lennon Airport spokesperson commented: “We have been made aware that flight LS3214 from Bourgas to Liverpool diverted to Cologne on Monday 16th September due to a passenger requiring medical assistance and that they sadly passed away.

“Our thoughts at this sad time are with the passenger’s family and friends, to whom we send our deepest condolences.”

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