Heartbreaking Loss on a Jet2 Flight 💔
Tragedy struck when Chris Neill, a 40-year-old dad, collapsed and died during a Jet2 holiday flight with his sons, Reece and Archie. During the flight from Liverpool, Chris became gravely ill, leading to an emergency landing in Germany where he suffered a cardiac arrest right as he disembarked.
Despite the efforts of an off-duty paramedic, Rachel-Victoria Leyland, who tried tirelessly to save him alongside the flight crew and a nurse, Chris tragically passed away shortly after reaching the hospital.
Chris’s story is a stark reminder for all travellers – always double-check your travel insurance! Chris thought his bank account covered him, but a recent change meant his insurance had expired, leaving his family without coverage to bring him home.
On the anniversary of his passing, Chris’s father Mal shared how the family is coping. Reece and his friends recently climbed Snowden in his memory. Mal mentioned how they’ve grown close with Rachel-Victoria, the paramedic who was on the flight. She even attended Chris’s funeral in Runcorn and shared her condolences with the family.
Mal remembers his son as a devoted dad and massive Everton fan, who was full of life and joy. Standing at 6ft 4inches and a frequent gym-goer, Chris was a true larger-than-life character who adored his children.
Funds originally raised to help with Chris’s repatriation have now been used to establish a trust fund for his sons. Let us all take a moment to remember a great father and cherish the time we have with our loved ones. 💙