British man collapses and dies after boarding a British Airways flight to South Africa with his wife

A British man collapsed and died after boarding a British Airways flight to South Africa with his wife after taking off from Heathrow 11 hours early.

Michael Morris was on flight BA057 which landed at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday and went to the washroom to wait for his luggage.

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) CEO Mpumi Mpofu has revealed that he suddenly collapsed in the international arrivals toilet and received medical attention.

Despite the immediate response of paramedics, the man was pronounced dead at the scene, Mpofu said, leaving his wife “distraught”.

A British embassy officer on the same flight took charge of the situation and provided consular assistance to Mr Morris’s wife, who was believed to be with other relatives at the time of her husband’s death.

They are all flying back to London Heathrow Airport today (Friday). The cause of death is being investigated but is not suspicious, Acsa said.

“We have been informed that Mr Morris’ family will return to the UK on Friday,” the company said.

Ms Mpofu said of the incident: “Acsa paramedics responded immediately and attended to Mr Morris, but he was pronounced dead at the scene and we assisted his distraught wife.”

A British Airways source said: “The poor man was on BA057. which has just landed. went on holiday with his family when he collapsed in the men’s room upon arrival.

“Everything possible was done to save him, but he died. The family have abandoned their holiday while the British Embassy is helping to arrange the repatriation of the body.”