Jet2 tragedy: Hero paramedic onboard reveals what happened when dad collapsed and died on flight

New details have emerged after Chris Neill died on a Jet2 flight home to Liverpool John Lennon Airport from holiday in Burgas, Bulgaria, on Monday

A hero paramedic on board a Jet2 flight where a dad died ordered the crew to make an emergency landing as harrowing details emerge about what happened.

Dad-of-two Chris Neill was flying home to Liverpool John Lennon from holiday in Burgas, Bulgaria, on Monday when he suffered a medical episode and tragically died, with the plane landing in Cologne, Germany. It's since emerged the 40-year-old was suffering a heart attack, an off-duty medic on the flight has said.

Rach-Victoria Leyland sprung to help after Chris began complaining of chest pain, she said, with permission granted by Chris' family for the details to be shared publicly. She told how Chris was suffering from "a massive MI" or, in simple terms, a heart attack.

She said: "I did a few checks and interventions and made the decision to tell the crew that the pilot needed to do an emergency landing. I managed with the help of an off-duty colonoscopy nurse and the crew to get Chris to the front of the plane so I had space in case Chris needed any emergency care.

After a few minutes, Chris suffered a seizure and sadly went into cardiac arrest, Liverpool ECHO reports. Ms Leyland added: "Between myself the crew and the nurse we attached the AED and started chest compressions instantly working for over 30 mins. Sadly Chris had his 19-year-old son and son's girlfriend and his eight-year-old son on the plane.

"I did a medical hand over on the runway to the German medical team. Chris sadly passed away in hospital not so long after."

Chris' dad Mal Neill is now raising money to have his son's body repatriated to the UK from Germany. Tributes were also paid to Chris, from Runcorn, Cheshire, described as a "staunch Everton fan" who "lived life to the full".

Mal, 68, said: "He was 6ft 4in and went to the gym every day, he was massive. He lived for his children and when I was going through photos for the GoFundMe there are so many of him and his sons. He was full of fun, bubbly, he would do anything for anybody. I know people say that when someone dies but he would have. He was really liked by everyone."

Ms Leyland added: "Such a small world I have connected with Chris's dad Mal Neill today as he actually lives in Morecambe and knows two good friends of mine. Mal sent me some flowers to work today bless him."

She added: "Sadly, I did not manage to save Chris's life, despite all our efforts, but I am going to do my upmost to help him get Chris home to his family where he belongs so they can put him to rest."

In a note written by Mal to Rach, he said: "To Rach, thank you for all the help dealing with my son on the flight from Bulgaria. Will meet you soon. Lots of love, Mal." To read more or donate to the fundraiser.