A British Airways flight attendant who was discovered dead under unexplained circumstances during a layover in San Francisco has been identified as 45-year-old Irfan Ali Mirza.
Mirza, who had flown in from Heathrow Airport on Tuesday, April 16, was scheduled for a two-day rest period before returning to the UK.
Concerns were raised when he failed to report for duty on Thursday. After he remained unresponsive to calls, hotel staff, accompanied by his crew, entered his room and found him deceased in bed.
Authorities who responded to the scene reported no signs of foul play. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in San Francisco has yet to confirm the cause of death or release further details, according to MailOnline.
Originally from London, Mirza had worked with British Airways for over two decades. He leaves behind a wife and three young children, the youngest of whom was born just last year.
His brother, Kamran Mizra, expressed the family’s devastation in a tribute, thanking Mirza’s colleagues for their messages and shared memories.
“It’s totally heartbreaking,” he said. “We both were born in June, just four days apart. There were times we celebrated together. That moment will never come again.”
Following the discovery, the scheduled British Airways flight from San Francisco to Heathrow on April 17 was cancelled.
The airline provided hotel accommodations to passengers while alternative arrangements were made. Reports indicate that crew members were too distressed to operate the flight.
Several colleagues paid tribute to Mirza, describing him as warm, kind, and humorous.
“Irfan was an amazing, kind soul,” said Bailey Patter. “He was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed.”
Danielle Crane echoed the sentiment: “He was one of the most genuine, funniest and kindest crew members I’ve flown with.”
Dutchie Wallis added: “He had pure sunshine in his soul and lit up a room with his smile.”
British Airways confirmed Mirza’s death and extended sympathies to his loved ones. “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of our colleague at this difficult time,” the airline said in a statement to M10News.
