A female flight attendant has tragically died suddenly on a plane packed with passengers.
The passengers looked on in horror as 57-year-old mother-of-three Gabriella Cario collapsed on the flight deck and died.
The plane was preparing for takeoff when Cario collapsed.
Emergency crews rushed to her aid but she was declared dead within minutes of collapsing.
Cario’s colleagues revealed that she said she was feeling unwell as she waited at the boarding gate on Saturday afternoon.
Despite feeling ill, she decided against seeking medical help as she was eager to return home to her husband and three sons.
As she boarded the plane, her condition suddenly deteriorated and she died within minutes.
All passengers were disembarked as onsite paramedics rushed to the aircraft.
They attempted to revive the 57-year-old, but sadly their efforts were unsuccessful.
The mom was confirmed dead on the plane, leaving passengers and colleagues in shock.
The heartbreaking incident occurred at Reggio Calabria Airport, south east of Naples, Italy.
ITA Airways flight 1156 bound for Rome Fiumicino was postponed to the evening following Cario’s death, causing delays to other flights.
Cario worked as a flight attendant for ITA Airways but was returning to her home in Sabaudia, near Latina, Italy, as a passenger.
Originally from Naples, she worked out of Rome on domestic and international flights.
The cause of her death remains unknown and no other details have been made public.
So far, her death has only been reported as being caused by a “sudden illness.”
Sabaudia Mayor Alberto Mosca said: “I knew Gabriella.
“She was a bright, always-smiling, and kind woman.
“On behalf of the administration and the entire community, I extend our heartfelt condolences to her husband and her beloved three children.”
People have been flooding social media to pay their respects too.
One Facebook user said: “We always think we are fine, but we are not machines.
“Please take your health seriously out there, my dear colleagues. This is tragic.”
“Our friend and colleague Gabriella,” another added.
“A wonderful smile across the sky.
“Fly high, we will not forget you.”
A third commented: “She was lovely.
“Condolences to her family and friends.”
And a fourth resolved:
“Deep condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.”
