A tragic incident unfolded aboard a Delta flight bound for London from Minnesota.
Rachel Green, a 44-year-old attorney from Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly after falling asleep on her mother’s shoulder.
The heartbreaking event occurred on April 30, 2025, while Green was en route to the UK to conduct research for her novel.
A Sudden and Unforeseen Tragedy
The news of Rachel Green's death came to light in a recent hearing at West London Coroner’s Court, where it was revealed that Green had fallen asleep on her mother’s shoulder during the flight and tragically never woke up.
According to reports from The Sun, cabin crew attempted to revive Green after she failed to wake, and even called for a physician’s assistance, but their resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
Upon further investigation, it was revealed that Green had a combination of prescription medications in her system at the time of her death, per the Daily Mail.
These included antidepressants, melatonin, cannabinoids, and a low level of alcohol. Officials also discovered that Green had a preexisting heart condition, which may have played a critical role in her sudden passing, potentially exacerbated by the medication combination.
Senior Coroner Lydia Brown spoke to the devastating nature of the event, stating: “This lady simply died whilst on a flight. She was coming to our country to do some research, staying for some time with her mother.”
Brown added: “Instead, she did not even get off the plane without her mother and sister being bereaved. Poor Rachel never did [finish] that book. I wish it were different; it is not.”
The Heart Condition That May Have Contributed to Her Death
Pathologist Dr. Alan Bates provided additional details on Green’s medical condition, stating that her heart was “normal,” with the exception of one coronary artery that showed signs of myocardial tunneling - a congenital heart condition.
This condition occurs when a segment of a coronary artery runs through heart muscle, rather than over its surface, which can increase the risk of heart complications.
Green’s family members, especially her sister Roxanne Carney, expressed concerns about her sister’s health history and the medications she was prescribed.
Carney raised questions regarding why her sister had not been referred to a cardiologist earlier, given her abnormal heart test results.
She asked: “I wonder why she was never referred to a cardiologist before being prescribed this combination,” continuing, “Why was she on this regimen? Why are they prescribing this combination of medications?”
A Sister's Heartfelt Tribute
In an emotional statement during the court hearing, Roxanne Carney paid tribute to her late sister, describing Rachel as not only an accomplished attorney specializing in insurance law but also someone with a deep love for history.
Carney shared: “On April 30th, 2025, we lost an angel on earth and gained one in heaven. My beloved sister and friend to so many, Rachel S. Green, passed away peacefully in her sleep as she was flying from Minneapolis to London for a much-anticipated trip to the UK.”
She went on to say: “My sister was the absolutely most incredible and selfless person in this world.” The loss of Rachel Green, whose life was cut short while embarking on what was supposed to be an exciting journey, has left her family, friends, and colleagues in mourning.