Appeal to return dad's body after flight death

Chris Neill died on a Jet2 flight from Bulgaria to Liverpool on 16 September

The family of a man who died on a flight home to Liverpool are raising money to repatriate his body.

Chris Neill was flying home from a holiday in Bulgaria on 16 September when the Jet2 flight was diverted to Cologne in Germany due to him needing medical attention.

Mr Neill's family said his body was still in the German city and they had been told it would cost between £12,000 and £15,000 to have his body brought back to the UK.

A GoFundMe page has so far raised more than £18,000, with any spare money given to a trust fund for his two sons, the family said.

"We believe Chris thought he had insurance through his bank account but it transpires he had let the renewal expire," the fundraising page said.

A spokesperson for Jet2 said flight LS3214 from Burgas to Liverpool John Lennon Airport diverted to Cologne on 16 September, due to a customer requiring medical assistance.

"Regrettably, we can confirm that the customer sadly passed away.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the customer's family and friends at this very difficult time," the spokesperson said.