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Turbulence Tragedy: Husband Dies, Wife Unaware
23 Sep
Summary
- Severe turbulence caused a fatal cardiac arrest in a passenger.
- Wife was unaware of her husband's death for two days.
- Flight diverted to Bangkok after 56 people were injured.
A man, Geoff Kitchen, 73, died from cardiac arrest after his Singapore Airlines flight experienced severe turbulence. The inquest determined that the physiological effects of the extreme turbulence over Myanmar triggered his fatal heart failure.
His wife, Linda, who suffered spinal fractures, was unaware of her husband's passing for two days. She repeatedly inquired about him while recovering in a Bangkok hospital, only to learn of his death later.
The flight, traveling from London Heathrow to Singapore on May 21, 2024, plunged 178 feet in under five seconds. This incident resulted in 56 serious injuries and 23 minor injuries among the passengers, forcing an emergency landing in Bangkok.
Although Geoff Kitchen had a history of coronary artery disease and prior surgery, the coroner concluded that the turbulence was the direct cause of his cardiac arrest. His wife is now pursuing legal action against Singapore Airlines.
