SAN FRANCISCO — A British Airways flight attendant was found dead in his hotel room in San Francisco on Thursday morning, prompting the airline to cancel a scheduled return flight to London and provide accommodations for displaced passengers.
The crew member, who has not been publicly identified, had checked into the Marriott Marquis hotel in downtown San Francisco on Tuesday following the arrival of Flight BA 285 from London Heathrow. He was part of the operating crew assigned to return on Flight BA 284, which was scheduled to depart Thursday evening.
When he failed to report for duty and did not respond to phone calls, colleagues alerted hotel staff, who entered the room and found him unresponsive. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. Authorities believe he may have been deceased for up to two days prior to discovery.
San Francisco police said there were no immediate signs of foul play, but an investigation is underway. The city’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is expected to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
British Airways confirmed the incident in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of one of our cabin crew in San Francisco. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time. We are providing support to our colleagues and passengers affected by this event.”
The airline arranged accommodations for passengers booked on the canceled return flight and worked to rebook them on later departures.
The crew member was described by colleagues as a valued and well-liked member of the team. British Airways has not released further information out of respect for the family’s privacy.