First picture released of dad who died on Jet2 flight with kids

Chris Neill fell unwell on a flight from Bulgaria to Liverpool.

A man who sadly died on a Jet2 plane as he travelled home from a holiday with his two kids has been named as Chris Neill.

The dad-of-two was travelling from Bourgas, Bulgaria, to Liverpool John Lennon Airport on Monday, September 16, alongside his sons Reece 19 and Archie 8 when he fell ill.

The plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Cologne, Germany before he was led off the aircraft to the awaiting emergency services, but as he walked down the steps from the plane to the runway, the 40-year-old collapsed. It is believed he suffered from a severe heart attack and died, reports Liverpool Echo.

Since his tragic death, his parents Mal and Lesley have set up a GoFundMe to raise funds to repatriate Chris and organise his funeral. It comes as it was discovered Chris believed he had travel insurance through his bank, Halifax, but it lapsed without renewal.

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The family are now faced with the eye-watering bill.

A Jet2 spokesperson told the ECHO: "We can confirm that flight LS3214 from Bourgas to Liverpool John Lennon diverted to Cologne on Monday 16th September, due to a customer requiring medical assistance. Regrettably, we can confirm that the customer sadly passed away. We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the customer’s family and friends at this very difficult time."

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A Liverpool John Lennon Airport spokesperson commented: "We have been made aware that flight LS3214 from Bourgas to Liverpool diverted to Cologne on Monday 16th September due to a passenger requiring medical assistance and that they sadly passed away. Our thoughts at this sad time are with the passenger’s family and friends, to whom we send our deepest condolences."

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