Tributes to Thornbury man who died after turbulence on flight

The airline passenger, named as Geoffrey Kitchen, 73, suffered a suspected heart attack on the Singapore Airlines flight from London on Tuesday. 

Geoffrey - also known as Geoff -  was on the flight with his wife, and had been planning to go on a cruise in Indonesia and then travel to Australia.

It is understood Geoff’s wife has also been admitted to hospital, according to a spokesperson for Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where the plane was diverted to.

There were 211 passengers and 18 crew members on the flight – including 47 passengers from the UK. 

Seven other passengers were critically injured, while dozens more suffered minor injuries.

Geoff has been described by friends as “always a gentleman with the utmost honesty and integrity” and who was the “most wonderful human being that you could ever know”. 

Mr Kitchen was a "staunch supporter" of Thornbury Musical Theatre Group for more than 35 years serving as secretary, treasurer and chairman. 

He had also starred on stage in many productions including in Dick Whittington and Aladdin.

He spoke to the Gazette last year in support of the campaign for reopening beloved community space Armstrong Hall - which closed in 2020 due to ongoing costs.

Geoff Kitchen from Thornbury died after a flight to Singapore encountered severe turbulence (Image: UGC)

"He had a twinkle in his eye", friend says 

Friend Lizzie Atkins, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “He was the most wonderful human being that you could ever know, really one of the top ones – he was stable and reliable and you always knew you were in safe hands with Geoff. 

“He was just a remarkable man, really.

“He had a really dry sense of humour and he had a twinkle in his eye. Every time you saw him you just knew he was going to make a funny joke.”

She added: “He would do anything for you, anything for the group – he was just amazing.”

The 16-year-old Boeing 777 left Heathrow Airport at 10.17pm on Monday and was diverted to Bangkok, landing at 3.45pm local time (9.45am BST) on Tuesday.

Singapore Airlines said the flight encountered "sudden extreme turbulence" over Myanmar's Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000ft about 10 hours after departure.

The pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted the plane to Bangkok.

Images posted on social media showed damage to the ceiling of the cabin, and food, cutlery and other debris strewn on the floor after the incident.

Airlines chief offers his "deepest condolences"

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said it was supporting Geoff's family.

Meanwhile, the Singapore Airlines chief Goh Choon Phong said he offered his “deepest condolences” to Mr Kitchen’s family.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident,” he said.

“On behalf of Singapore Airlines, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. 

“We are very sorry for the traumatic experience that everyone on board SQ321 went through.

“We are fully cooperating with the relevant authorities on the investigations.”

Mr Phong said 79 passengers and six crew members are receiving medical treatment in Bangkok and a relief flight carrying the remaining passengers and crew members arrived in Singapore early on Wednesday.

Flight path of Singapore Airlines plane (Image: PA)

Members of the Armstrong Hall Action Alliance in 2021 outside the community venue - Geoff Kitchen is pictured in the middle back (Image: Armstrong Hall Action Alliance)

Geoff was "always a gentleman with the utmost honesty and integrity"

Thornbury Musical Theatre Group (TMTG) paid tribute to Mr Kitchen in a Facebook post on yesterday evening.

The post said: “It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the devastating news of the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend Geoff Kitchen in the recent Singapore air incident.

“Geoff was always a gentleman with the utmost honesty and integrity and always did what was right for the group.

“His commitment to TMTG was unquestionable and he has served the group and the local community of Thornbury for over 35 years, holding various offices within the group, including chairman, treasurer and most recently secretary.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and the family at this difficult time, and we ask that you respect their privacy.”

The group is due to perform next week in its production Journey Back to the Future at Thornbury Methodist Church's hall.

“His love and passion for the theatre"

A spokesperson from The National Operatic and Dramatic Association said: “It is with great sadness that we learn of Geoff Kitchen’s death in such tragic circumstances. 

“He was a prominent and longstanding member of Thornbury Musical Theatre, having served in many offices on the committee as well as on the stage. 

“His love and passion for the theatre will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

“We as a NODA family share in that grief and our thoughts and condolences go to his family, friends and to all members and supporters of Thornbury Musical Theatre.”