Tributes paid to South Gloucestershire man who died on Singapore flight
73-year-old Geoff Kitchen suffered a suspected heart attack on the flight
Last updated 22nd May 2024
Tributes have been paid to a 73-year-old man from Thornbury near Bristol who died after severe turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight from Heathrow Airport.
The passenger, named as Geoff Kitchen, suffered a suspected heart attack on the flight, according to a spokesman for Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, where the plane was diverted to.
Dozens of other people are in hospital with injuries.
In a Facebook post shared on Tuesday evening, Thornbury Musical Theatre Group in Bristol said: "It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the devastating news of the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend Geoff Kitchen in the recent Singapore Air Incident.
"Geoff was always a gentleman with the utmost honesty and integrity and always did what was right for the group.
"His commitment to TMTG was unquestionable and he has served the group and the local community of Thornbury for over 35 years, holding various offices within the group, including Chairman, Treasurer and most recently Secretary.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and the family at this difficult time, and we ask that you respect their privacy."
In tributes online, one person posted: "So very sad, such a lovely and caring man."
Another added: "Truly devastating, shocking news. Geoff has been such a big part of Thornbury Musical Theatre Group."
A third posted: "Geoff, you will be so missed by all that knew you. Thank you for touching the lives of so many. My heartfelt love and prayers go to his lovely family at this incredibly sad time."
Lizzie Atkins, a friend of Mr Kitchen, said he and his wife had been planning to go on a cruise in Indonesia before travelling to Australia, describing the pair as "adventurous travellers".
She said: "I just can't believe that I'm having to do this. He was the most wonderful human being that you could ever know, really one of the top ones - he was stable and reliable and you always knew you were in safe hands with Geoff. He was just a remarkable man, really.
"He had a really dry sense of humour and he had a twinkle in his eye. Every time you saw him you just knew he was going to make a funny joke."
Images posted on social media showed damage to the ceiling of the cabin, and food, cutlery and other debris strewn on the floor after the incident.
The 16-year-old Boeing 777 left Heathrow at 10.17pm on Monday and was diverted to Bangkok, landing at 3.45pm local time (9.45am BST) on Tuesday.
There were 211 passengers and 18 crew on board - including 47 passengers from the UK and four Irish nationals.
Singapore Airlines said the flight encountered "sudden extreme turbulence" at 37,000ft above Myanmar's Irrawaddy Basin about 10 hours after departure, with the pilot declaring a medical emergency and diverting the plane to Bangkok.
FCDO statement:
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said it was supporting the family of the passenger and was in contact with local authorities.
Singapore Airlines said the flight encountered "sudden extreme turbulence" over Myanmar's Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000ft about 10 hours after departure, with the pilot declaring a medical emergency and diverting the plane to Bangkok.
One passenger on board Flight SQ321 to Singapore said the plane suffered a "dramatic drop", meaning people not wearing a seatbelt were "launched immediately into the ceiling".
Singapore Airlines comment:
Singapore Airlines chief executive Goh Choon Phong said in a statement: "On behalf of Singapore Airlines, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased passenger.
"We also deeply apologise for the trauma experienced by all passengers and crew members on this flight.
"We are providing all possible assistance and support to them, along with their families and loved ones, during this difficult time. The well-being of our passengers and staff is our utmost priority."
UK Civil Aviation Authority statement:
A spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: "Our deepest condolences go out to all those who have been affected.
"Accidents of this nature are extremely rare and aviation remains one of the safest forms of travel."