A father tragically passed away while flying back to the UK with his two children, sparking an emotional fundraising campaign. Chris Neill, accompanied by his sons Reece, 19, and Archie, 8, fell ill on a Jet2 flight from Bourgas, Bulgaria, to Liverpool John Lennon Airport on September 16. The flight had to make an emergency landing in Cologne, Germany, where Chris later succumbed to a severe heart attack.
Following his unexpected death, his parents, Mal and Lesley, have initiated a GoFundMe page to cover the costs of repatriating Chris’s body from Germany and arranging his funeral. It was revealed that Chris thought he had travel insurance through his bank, Halifax, but it had lapsed, leaving the family with financial responsibilities. The fundraising target is set at £12,000 to £15,000, with £4,630 raised thus far.
A heartfelt plea on the fundraising page reads: “Please help bring Chris home for his parents and kids’ sake. Thank you from all the family and friends of Chris.” Jet2.com expressed condolences, stating, “We can confirm that the customer sadly passed away. We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the customer’s family and friends at this very difficult time.” Liverpool John Lennon Airport also offered their sympathies to the family.
The heartbreaking incident highlights the importance of travel insurance and the unforeseen financial burdens that can arise in such tragic circumstances. The community’s support through the fundraising efforts showcases solidarity during times of immense grief and loss. As the family continues to navigate this challenging time, donations pour in to assist in bringing Chris back home and laying him to rest with dignity.
The Neill family’s resilience and the outpouring of generosity serve as a testament to the power of compassion and unity in the face of adversity. The memory of Chris Neill lives on through the love and support shown by family, friends, and strangers alike.