41 yo Passenger Dies on California-Bound Flight

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Passenger Dies on California-Bound Flight​

Published Jun 12, 2024 at 2:30 AM EDTUpdated Jun 12, 2024 at 5:54 AM EDT

By Giulia Carbonaro
US News Reporter


A passenger on a Fiji Airways flight heading to San Francisco died on Saturday, according to a statement from the airline.

The 41-year-old male, a U.S. citizen, "encountered a medical condition on flight FJ870 approximately one and a half hours prior to the aircraft's arrival at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)," Fiji Airways said in the statement.

"Despite the best efforts of our cabin crew and a doctor on board who provided immediate assistance, the passenger unfortunately passed away," the airline said.

The crew on board the flight from Nadi in Fiji to San Francisco "promptly declared a medical emergency" and the aircraft was given priority for landing at San Francisco airport.

"Fiji Airways ground operations and the relevant authorities were informed in advance and were prepared to meet the aircraft upon arrival," the airline wrote, adding that the flight landed safely at around 2:34 p.m. local time on Saturday.

"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time. We commend our cabin crew and the assisting doctor for their swift and professional response to this emergency."

The company has not disclosed the identity of the deceased passenger nor the medical condition he suffered aboard the plane.

"Fiji Airways remains committed to the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew, and we are cooperating fully with the authorities as they manage this situation," the airline wrote.

Newsweek contacted Fiji Airways' media team for comment by email early on Wednesday.

Fatalities on planes are relatively rare. According to the latest data from the National Safety Council, there were a total of 358 civil aviation deaths in 2022 involving a U.S. registered civilian aircraft, down from 373 in 2021. All but one of these deaths were onboard fatalities.

A British passenger recently died and seven people were critically injured after a Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore to London was hit by severe turbulence on May 21.

About 10 hours into the flight, the plane encountered an air pocket and experienced turbulence causing the aircraft to drop dramatically. A 73-year-old British passenger, Geoff Kitchen, died from a suspected heart attack onboard.