This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
A British Airways pilot has died while on the island of St Lucia in the Caribbean while at a hotel in between flights.
The 47-year-old senior first officer collapsed in front of tourists and holidaymakers on Sunday 3 November. The cause of death is currently unknown.
An unnamed source told The Sun that the pilot’s fellow crew returned to the UK on another flight on Tuesday and have been offered counselling after the tragic incident.
“This tragedy has left British Airways staff stunned and deeply upset,” the source said.
“The senior first officer was very popular and his death was completely out of the blue.
“It’s so sad that this has happened and everyone has been hit for six.
"Bosses have handled the tragedy in an incredibly sensitive way and staff can speak to a trained counsellor if it helps them.”
In a statement to The Independent, British Airways said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of our colleague at this difficult time.”
Last month, a Turkish Airlines pilot died mid-flight, forcing crew to make an emergency landing.
İlçehin Pehlivan, the flight’s 59-year-old captain, fainted during the flight from Seattle, Washington, to Istanbul. The crew staged a medical intervention but this was“ineffective”, Turkish Airlines spokesperson Yahya Ustun wrote on X.
For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast