Travelers on a United Airlines flight from London's Heathrow Airport were faced with an in-flight medical crisis last night, Dec. 1, while en-route to Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey. Apparently, a 23-year-old woman became unconscious on Flight 115 and attempts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful. A doctor on board was unable to save the woman, who was traveling alone.
The woman, who was pronounced dead at around 8:30 p.m., has yet to be identified. Police and a medical examiner greeted the plane, which landed at 9:45 p.m. and, while no official cause of death has been given, Port Authority officials claim that she appears to have died of natural causes. According to the Daily Mail, the woman had pre-existing medical problems, but as of now no one is confirming what they may be.
The airline issued a brief statement confirming the emergency situation onboard Flight 115, saying:
"United confirms that a passenger passed away on flight UA115 from London Heathrow to New York/Newark on Dec. 1, 2014. We offer our condolences to the passenger's family. For privacy reasons, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further."
While no one is offering an official cause of death, it seems Port Authority officials have been quick to point out that this young woman already had health issues. Ebola fears are likely the first concern that comes to mind whenever we hear of someone getting even seriously ill on an international flight nowadays, so everyone working closely with this sad situation seems to have to at least reassure people.
Perhaps the most important detail the general public needs to know is that this is an isolated incident that has not put anyone else at risk.
Readers: What are your thoughts on the situation? Let us know down in the comments section.
