Several local media outlets reported on Sunday that a British Airways cabin crew member was found deceased on the streets of Johannesburg during a recent work stopover.
Robert Gay, 52, was a long-serving flight attendant for the Heathrow-based airline, and his death remains a mystery.
Following the 11-hour journey from London to South Africa, Gay was said to have gone out for supper and drinks with other crew members. He went separated from his colleagues during the night and was later discovered collapsed in the street.
Paramedics attempted to save his life, according to sources, but he was subsequently pronounced dead.
He may have died of a heart attack, but authorities aren’t ruling out homicide just yet because of the location of the city where Robert was discovered.
“It appears he returned to the hotel crew and separated from his friends and was found dead at 4 am on February 5th,” some source who claims to be close to the investigation said.
“The cause of death is believed to have been a heart attack, although full cognition results are pending.”
He had no evident injuries when he was discovered.
“We’re profoundly saddened by this news, and our thoughts and sincere condolences are with our colleague’s family and friends at this sad time,” a British Airways representative said.
“We’re providing support to all of our colleagues that may be affected by this sad news.”
After South Africa was placed back on the UK’s pandemic travel Red List due to the Omicron form, British Airways just recently resumed direct flights to Johannesburg.
Every trip on BA’s double-deck Airbus A380 to Johannesburg has up to 22 cabin crew members.
