An American lawyer travelling to the United Kingdom for a research expedition tragically passed away during her flight after falling asleep on her mother's shoulder, a coronial inquest has revealed.
Sudden Death During Transatlantic Journey
Rachel Green, aged 44, was approximately seven hours into her flight from Minneapolis to London when she became unresponsive on April 30, 2025. The Minnesota-born attorney was en route to conduct historical research for her fictional book about French queen Eleanor of Aquitaine when the incident occurred.
Cabin crew members immediately attempted resuscitation procedures upon discovering Ms Green's condition, but their efforts proved unsuccessful. The flight continued to its destination where authorities were notified of the tragic event.
Coronial Findings Reveal Multiple Factors
According to evidence presented at the West London Coroner's Court, Ms Green had several prescription medications in her system at the time of her death, along with an undiagnosed cardiac condition. The combination of these factors "likely" contributed to her sudden passing, although investigators noted she was not taking medications in excessive amounts.
The prescription regimen included multiple anti-depressants, melatonin supplements, and cannabidoids. Pathologist Dr Alan Bates reported that while Ms Green's heart appeared generally "normal," it featured a coronary artery covered by myocardial tunnelling - a condition that had gone previously undetected.
"Her death appears to have been instantaneous," stated Senior Coroner Lydia Brown during the proceedings.
Family Questions Medical History
Ms Green's sister, Roxanne Carney, raised concerns during the inquest about her sibling's medical care prior to the fatal flight. She revealed that Ms Green had reported an "abnormal" heart test result that was never followed up with cardiology referral.
"I wonder why she was never referred to a cardiologist before being prescribed this combination," Ms Carney questioned. "Why was she on this regimen? Why are they prescribing this combination of medications?"
The inquiry heard that Ms Green had received previous psychiatric care, though details of her specific treatments were not fully disclosed during the coronial proceedings.
A Life Cut Short During Creative Pursuit
In a heartfelt tribute posted on GoFundMe, Ms Carney described her sister as an "angel" who was "beyond selfless" and "always taking care of everyone around her." She noted that Ms Green had recently returned to writing after recovering from an unexpected illness that required her to relearn basic functions including walking.
"Rachel had spent the past couple of years recovering from an unexpected illness, relearning to walk, and having to relocate back to her hometown in Minnesota to recuperate," Ms Carney explained. "She exuded unyielding strength and courage at even the most difficult times."
The London research trip represented a significant milestone in Ms Green's recovery and creative journey. "She was finally writing again (side note: Rachel was secretly a brilliant writer) and on her way to London to further research her historical fiction on Eleanor of Aquitaine," her sister shared.
The family now faces the difficult task of moving forward without their beloved member physically present. "We are at the greatest loss as we piece together a life without her physically present but forever with us," Ms Carney expressed in her emotional tribute.
The coronial investigation continues to examine the precise circumstances surrounding the tragic mid-flight death, with particular focus on the interaction between prescription medications and undiagnosed cardiac conditions during air travel.
