Passengers claim they watched a British family wheel their deceased 89-year-old grandmother onto an easyJet flight while telling crew members she was merely “tired.”
Story Snapshot
- 89-year-old British grandmother appeared “already dead” when wheeled onto easyJet flight from Spain to London
- Five family members allegedly told crew “she’s just tired” and claimed “we’re doctors” when questioned
- Plane returned to gate before takeoff where Spanish authorities pronounced her dead onboard
- Flight delayed 12 hours, making passengers eligible for EU compensation up to €600 each
The Boarding That Shocked Passengers
Flight U2 8070 from Málaga to London Gatwick became the center of a macabre controversy when multiple passengers witnessed what they described as a lifeless elderly woman being assisted onto the aircraft. Witnesses reported the grandmother was slumped over, completely unresponsive, and required physical support to keep her head upright during the transfer from wheelchair to seat.
The family’s behavior raised immediate red flags among fellow travelers. When concerned passengers and crew members questioned the woman’s condition, relatives reportedly dismissed concerns by stating she was simply “tired” or “unwell.” One family member allegedly added authority to their claims by announcing “It’s OK, we’re doctors.”
Conflicting Timelines Emerge
EasyJet maintains the passenger was alive when she boarded and possessed a valid fit-to-fly medical certificate. According to the airline’s official statement, the woman died during the taxi process after boarding was complete. This timeline directly contradicts multiple passenger accounts describing her as appearing deceased before even reaching her seat.
The discrepancy raises serious questions about airport boarding procedures and medical clearance protocols. Aviation experts note that fit-to-fly certificates, while standard for elderly or potentially unwell passengers, may be insufficient when obvious signs of distress are present. The family’s alleged medical credentials, used to reassure staff, remain unverified.
Weekend at Bernie’s Comparisons Go Viral
Social media erupted with comparisons to the 1989 comedy film “Weekend at Bernie’s,” where characters prop up a deceased person to maintain appearances. The dark humor surrounding the incident masks more serious concerns about airline safety protocols and family desperation. Aviation blogger analysis suggests the family may have been motivated by a desire to “get her home.”
The incident highlights the emotional complexity families face when traveling with seriously ill elderly relatives. However, attempting to transport a deceased person raises legal, safety, and ethical concerns that extend far beyond airline policies. Spanish authorities are likely conducting a thorough investigation into the exact timeline of events.
Passenger Rights and Compensation
Despite the tragic circumstances, the 12-hour delay triggers EU261 regulations that entitle passengers to compensation of approximately €600 each. This applies regardless of whether the delay resulted from extraordinary circumstances, as the death occurred after initial boarding delays that were already affecting the flight schedule.
The incident exposes gaps in budget airline screening procedures and raises questions about staff training for medical emergencies. While easyJet followed protocol by returning to the gate when concerns were raised, the initial boarding decision will likely face scrutiny. Passengers stranded for half a day during holiday travel season adds another layer of frustration to an already disturbing situation.
Sources:
Grandmother who died on easyJet flight ‘looked dead’ while boarding, claim passengers
Passengers claim they witnessed ‘dead’ woman being wheeled onto easyJet flight
