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A Year After Jet2 In-Flight Death, Grieving Father Urges Holidaymakers to Check Travel Insurance

Donations covered repatriation and the funeral, with the surplus placed in trusts for his two sons.

Overview

  • Chris Neill, 40, fell ill on a LiverpoolBurgas Jet2 flight on September 16, 2024, while traveling with his two sons, prompting a diversion to Cologne where he later died in hospital.
  • Off-duty paramedic Rachel-Victoria Leyland led resuscitation efforts using an AED and chest compressions and advised the crew to make an emergency landing.
  • Mal and Lesley Neill raised nearly £24,000 via GoFundMe, with repatriation costing about £15,000 and the remainder reserved for Reece and Archie.
  • Mal says Chris believed he had travel insurance through a bank account that no longer provided cover after he switched providers, urging travelers to verify their policies before flying.
  • The family marked the anniversary with tributes including a Snowdon walk, and they remain close with the paramedic, who attended Chris's funeral.