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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Steve Robson

Ryanair passengers' shock after holidaymaker suffers suspected heart attack and dies at 35,000ft

Ryanair passengers were left in shock after a holidaymaker suffered a suspected heart attack and died at 35,000ft.

The tragic incident happened on flight FR3232 from Manchester to Malaga last Friday afternoon.

Around an hour into the journey to Spain an 84-year-old man became unresponsive, eyewitness Emma Gaskell told the Manchester Evening News .

READ MORE: 'A true legend': Tributes paid to 19-year-old who died in the water at Salford Quays

Staff did their best to start first aid and then asked for anyone on board with a medical background to come forward.

Emma, a medical trainer, and a nurse responded and found sadly the man had no pulse.

Staff and passengers used a defibrillator to try and save the man after a suspected heart attack (file image) (PA)

The two passengers and a Ryanair crew member performed CPR for 25 minutes and used a defibrillator machine as the captain made an emergency landing in Nantes, France.

But Emma says French paramedics later confirmed the man had died.

"Paramedics came and took him off the plane and they were another 15 minutes but he didn't make it," she said.

"The crew were a bit shaken and needed some time. "

It is believed the man was from the Manchester area and was travelling with his family including his son and grandchildren.

Emma praised Ryanair staff for their handling of the situation and for having a defibrillator on board.

The flight eventually continued to Malaga arriving at around 3am on Saturday.

"The defib is generally very successful," said Emma.

"Sadly on this occasion it wasn't a good ending but in a different situation it could have saved someone.

"You don't know when something like that could happen and I think it's important to raise awareness.

"The Ryanair staff were really, really good.

"I'm glad I could help - everybody just did their best."

A Ryanair spokesperson said: "Ryanair extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved and is providing any assistance required."

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