Geoffrey Ralph Kitchen : “Singapore Airlines Flight: Man Identified”

A tragic incident occurred on a Singapore Airlines flight when British passenger Geoffrey Ralph Kitchen, aged 73, lost his life due to a suspected heart attack. The flight, SQ321, was en route from Heathrow Airport in London to Singapore when it unexpectedly encountered severe turbulence at 37,000 feet over Myanmar on Tuesday, May 21.

Kitchen, accompanied by his wife Linda of over 50 years, was on a six-week holiday of a lifetime when the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft experienced the turbulent air, causing it to plummet 6,000 feet. The plane made an emergency landing in Bangkok at 9:45 a.m. local time, with approximately 210 passengers and 18 crew members on board.

Authorities at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok confirmed Kitchen’s passing, attributing it to a suspected heart attack. Nearly 70 other passengers sustained injuries during the turbulent episode.

Kitchen Remembered as a Kind and Gentle Man

Described by his daughter Anna Proctor as an “extremely kind, loving and gentle man,” Kitchen was a retiree and a trustee of a local music theater. He resided in Thornbury, Gloucestershire, where he had moved over 30 years ago, and had previously run as an independent for Thornbury Town Council.

Kitchen, a grandfather, had a history of heart issues but was known to lead a healthy lifestyle. His sudden passing has left his family and community devastated, with many expressing their condolences and sorrow over the loss.

Flight Encounters Severe Turbulence

Singapore Airlines released a statement acknowledging the incident, stating that the flight encountered severe turbulence en route. The airline expressed its deepest condolences to Kitchen’s family and the affected passengers.

Passengers on board the flight recounted their harrowing experience, with one individual, Andrew Davies, describing it as “very scary.” Davies, who had never experienced anything like it in his extensive flying history, expressed relief upon landing safely in Bangkok.

Community Mourns Kitchen’s Loss

Thornbury Musical Group, an organization Kitchen was actively involved in, expressed their grief over his passing. They remembered him as a gentleman with integrity and a deep commitment to the local community.

The group shared their condolences with Kitchen’s wife and family, highlighting his dedicated service to the organization over the past 35 years in various capacities.

Flight Update and Passenger Assistance

Singapore Airlines provided an update on the situation, stating that 131 passengers and 12 crew members had safely arrived in Singapore on a relief flight. Arrangements were made for transportation to their respective destinations, with those with layovers rebooked on alternate flights and provided accommodations for rest.

As investigations into the incident continue, the airline is working to support the affected passengers and ensure their well-being during this challenging time.