Woman dies on easyJet flight as three plane passengers fight to save her life
A passenger has died after collapsing on a plane in mid-air, despite the “unbelievable” attempts of those onboard to save her life.
The woman, believed to be aged 67, was on an easyJet flight to Liverpool John Lennon Airport from Tenerife when she suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest. As the plane was diverted to another airport in northern Spain, three passengers – including a nurse onboard – helped perform CPR for around 50 minutes in a bid to save her life before they landed. Tragically, she died before they could reach aid and the passengers were taken off as police and paramedics came aboard.
One of the passengers who helped perform CPR told Liverpool Echo: “I spoke to her husband afterwards and just said I’m so sorry. We tried everything to keep her alive. We tried our best but she died onboard the plane. I was with my wife, daughter and son-in-law when the staff asked for assistance.
“The staff got an oxygen tank and a defibrillator while myself, a nurse and a physiotherapist took it in turns to perform CPR on the woman. When we landed police, paramedics and the CID team came onto the plane before we all got off.”
Another passenger added: “They were exemplary. The woman fell ill and the pilot asked for nurses and doctors over the speaker. Three people came forward and were unbelievable.”
Air traffic controllers said in a message posted on X: “The crew of the flight from Tenerife South to Liverpool informed us they needed to urgently divert to the airport at Santiago because they were trying to revive a 67-year-old female passenger who was unconscious.
“We facilitated a continuous descent and approach to runway 35 while medical care on the ground was coordinated with the airport. We wish the passenger a speedy recovery.”
An easyJet spokesperson said in a statement: “Flight EZY3366 from Tenerife to Liverpool on March 25 was required to divert to Santiago–Rosalía de Castro where it was met by paramedics due to a customer onboard requiring urgent medical attention.
“The well-being of our passengers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority. Our crew are trained to respond to medical issues and did everything possible during the flight, along with a medical professional who was assisting on board.
“We have remained in contact with the family and are continuing to offer our support and assistance.”
Get email updates with the day’s biggest stories