A BRITISH Airways pilot has tragically died between flights on the paradise island of St Lucia.
The 47-year-old Senior First Officer collapsed in a luxury hotel in front of stunned holidaymakers yesterday.
BA was forced to cancel Flight BA2158 from the Caribbean, which was due to land at London Gatwick at 08.50 today.
Devastated crew are returning to the UK on another flight tonight.
A source said: “This tragedy has left British Airways staff stunned and deeply upset.
“The Senior First Officer was very popular and his death was completely out of the blue.
“He was the life and soul; a really popular guy and just 47-years-old old. He collapsed suddenly in a public area.
“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.”
The crew on board have since been offered counselling by bosses.
BA executives were liaising with authorities in St Lucia and assisting the experienced pilot’s shattered family.
The airline’s flights to Grenada and St Lucia from Gatwick airport are rammed with holidaymakers seeking sun, luxury resorts, reef diving, fishing and picturesque rainforest trails.
British Airways told The Sun: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of our colleague at this difficult time.”
GettyA British Airways pilot tragically died between flights on the paradise island of St Lucia[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
