Tragic End to UK Flight: Writer Slips Away in Sleep

An American attorney and writer, Rachel Green, died in her seat on a Delta flight bound for London from Minneapolis. The 44-year-old had fallen asleep on her mother's shoulder during the seven-and-a-half-hour journey when cabin crew found her unresponsive. An inquest at West London Coroner's Court heard that Ms. Green had numerous prescription drugs in her system and an undiagnosed cardiac condition.

Senior Coroner Lydia Brown recorded a verdict of misadventure, stating the combination of her cardiac condition and the medications likely led to her death. The pathologist noted that while her heart was otherwise normal, she had myocardial tunnelling, a condition where an artery runs under heart muscle. Substances found in her blood included antidepressants, melatonin, cannabinoids, and alcohol.

Ms. Green, from East Bethel, Minnesota, was traveling to the UK to research a historical fiction novel about Eleanor of Aquitaine. Her sister, Roxanne Carney, paid tribute, describing Rachel as a saint and the best aunt. Mrs. Carney questioned the combination and quantity of prescription drugs her sister was taking.