Plane diverted after flight attendant dies onboard

A Hawaiian Airlines plane had to be diverted after a male flight attendant died of an apparent heart attack onboard, officials said on Friday.

The flight from Honolulu to New York City landed in San Francisco Thursday night after a crew member had “a suspected heart attack”, San Francisco airport spokesman Doug Yakel said.

Medical personnel attempted CPR during the flight but suspended those efforts prior to landing. The San Mateo County coroner declared the crew member dead on arrival, Mr Yakel said.

Hawaiian Airlines spokeswoman Ann Botticelli said deceased employee Emile Griffith had been with the company for 31 years.

“Emile both loved and treasured his job at Hawaiian and always shared that with our guests,” Ms Botticelli said in a statement.

The airline has made counselling available for Mr Griffith’s colleagues, she said.

Flight 50 plane was carrying 253 passengers and 12 crew members when it departed Honolulu on Thursday.

The passengers who landed in San Francisco five hours after takeoff were put on other flights, Mr Yakel said.

Andrea Bartz, who was on the flight to John F. Kennedy Airport, said on Twitter that the crew made an announcement asking for a doctor to go to first class and help with a medical emergency.

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