Geoffrey Ralph Kitchen : “Singapore Airlines Flight Grandfather Remembered”

The recent tragic incident involving a Singapore Airlines flight has left the family and friends of Geoffrey Ralph Kitchen in mourning. Kitchen, a 73-year-old British passenger, passed away after the flight he was on encountered severe turbulence, resulting in a harrowing experience for all aboard.

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Kitchen and his wife, Linda, were en route from Heathrow Airport in London to Singapore on Flight SQ321 when the aircraft unexpectedly hit rough air at 37,000 feet above Myanmar on Tuesday, May 21. The Boeing 777-300ER, carrying approximately 210 passengers and 18 crew members, plummeted 6,000 feet before making an emergency landing in Bangkok at 9:45 a.m. local time, as reported by BBC, The Telegraph, and Gloucestershire Live. Tragically, Kitchen suffered a suspected heart attack and later succumbed to his condition, while nearly 70 other passengers sustained injuries.

According to his daughter, Anna Proctor, Kitchen was a beloved grandfather, retiree, and trustee of a local music theater. Describing him as an “extremely kind, loving, and gentle man,” Proctor expressed deep sorrow over his untimely passing. “He was a wonderful man and he had years ahead of him,” she shared.

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Kitchen and his wife had embarked on a six-week “holiday of a lifetime” from their Thornbury, Gloucestershire home. Despite experiencing heart issues in the past, Kitchen was known to lead a healthy lifestyle. His unexpected passing has left the local community in shock and sadness.

In a statement released on social media, Singapore Airlines confirmed the incident: “We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER. Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.”

Passengers who were on the flight recounted the terrifying experience, with one individual describing it as “a very scary experience.” The airline’s staff, who also sustained injuries during the turbulence, were commended for their professionalism in handling the situation.

The Thornbury Musical Group, where Kitchen served as a dedicated member for over 35 years, expressed their grief on Facebook. Remembering him as a gentleman of integrity, the group extended their thoughts and prayers to his family during this difficult time.

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In the aftermath of the incident, Singapore Airlines arranged for affected passengers to be transported to their accommodations or homes. Support services were also provided to those who required assistance in rescheduling their travel plans.

As the community mourns the loss of Geoffrey Ralph Kitchen, his memory lives on through the impact he made during his lifetime.

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