A 67-year-old woman passed away on an EasyJet flight from Spain to England despite efforts by fellow passengers to save her life for nearly an hour, according to several reports.

The situation arose on March 25, 2025, when the woman experienced a suspected cardiac arrest shortly after departing from Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, en route to Liverpool John Lennon Airport in England.

Three passengers, including a nurse and a physiotherapist, immediately responded when the woman collapsed. They alternated in performing CPR on the unconscious passenger for about 50 minutes while the plane was redirected to northern Spain.

“We tried everything to keep her alive,” said one of the assisting passengers, who wished to remain anonymous.

Despite their efforts, the woman, who was traveling with her husband, died before the aircraft could land at Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport in northern Spain, where paramedics awaited.

The assisting passenger described how he immediately responded when the pilot and crew requested help. Airline staff provided an oxygen tank and defibrillator as he, the nurse, and the physiotherapist worked to save the woman’s life.

“I spoke to her husband afterwards and just said I’m so sorry,” the passenger told the Liverpool Echo. “We tried our best, but she died onboard the plane.”

The emergency occurred at an altitude of about 35,000 feet. After the emergency landing in Spain, police, paramedics, and investigators boarded the plane.

Other travelers who witnessed the event commended the efforts of those attempting to save the woman. One passenger described their actions as “exemplary,” according to local reports.

The remaining passengers were accommodated overnight in Spain before continuing to Liverpool the next day.

EasyJet, headquartered in the United Kingdom, confirmed the incident to local media. The airline issued a statement expressing condolences and reaffirming its focus on passenger safety.

The airline also stated that they have been in contact with the woman’s family, offering support and assistance during this challenging period.

Previously, in February 2023, an EasyJet flight from Hurghada, Egypt, to Manchester, England, was diverted due to a medical emergency involving the pilot, leading to a landing in Athens, Greece.

Medical emergencies on flights are not rare, though fatalities are less common. Airlines typically equip their planes with basic medical supplies, including first aid kits, oxygen, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Cabin crew receive training in first aid and emergency response.

During medical emergencies at high altitudes, flight crews often seek out medical professionals among passengers for assistance. In this case, the presence of a nurse and physiotherapist provided valuable expertise.

Despite access to medical equipment and expert assistance, the woman’s condition was too severe. The flight was diverted to the nearest suitable airport following standard emergency protocols.

The incident underscores the challenges of managing severe medical emergencies in the confined space of an aircraft cabin. While airlines prepare for such situations with training and equipment, some medical events, particularly cardiac arrests, can be challenging to handle effectively outside of a hospital.

EasyJet has not provided additional details regarding the passenger’s medical history or specific circumstances leading to her cardiac arrest. The airline continues to work with authorities on the matter while respecting the family’s privacy.