A tragic scene unfolded as a 44-year-old woman p4ssed aw4y on a loved one’s shoulder — all traced back to a common habit on airplanes

A WOMAN was found dead on a UK-bound flight after falling asleep on her mum’s shoulder, an inquest heard.

Rachel Green was on her way to Heathrow from Minneapolis in the US to carry out research for a book she was working on when she dozed off.

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Rachel Green died while travelling on a flight to the UKCredit: legacy.com

The attorney had fallen asleep on her mum’s shoulderCredit: SWNS
The hearing was told cabin crew on the Delta flight attempted to wake the 44-year-old up but she could not be roused.

A tannoy announcement was made asking if there was a doctor on board but tragically Rachel could not be saved.

West London Coroner’s Court was told lawyer and writer Rachel had a cocktail of prescription drugs in her system.

She was also found to have an undiagnosed heart condition, which, combined with the medication, likely caused her death.

Recording a verdict of misadventure, Senior Coroner Lydia Brown said: “This lady simply died whilst on a flight.

“She was coming to our country to do some research, staying for some time with her mother.

“Instead, she did not even get off the plane without her mother and sister being bereaved.

“Poor Rachel never did [finish] that book. I wish it were different; it is not.”

The court was told Rachel was travelling with her mum from Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport to London Heathrow on April 30 last year.

Rachel’s sister confirmed she had fallen asleep on their mum’s shoulder and tragically “never woke up”.

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Rachel was flying to Heathrow with her mum on Delta Airlines when she tragically passed away. File pictureCredit: NurPhoto via Getty Images
Pathologist Dr Alan Bates told the inquest her heart was “normal” other than one of her coronary arteries being covered by myocardial tunnelling.

The condition means a section of an artery travels underneath the heart muscle, instead of on its surface.

Dr Bates also identified a number of substances in her blood – including anti-depressants, melatonin and a low concentration of alcohol.

Her sister Roxanne Carney questioned the number of prescription drugs she was on and said Rachel had had an “abnormal” heart test that was not investigated further.

She said: “I wonder why she was never referred to a cardiologist before being prescribed this combination.

“Why was she on this regimen? Why are they prescribing this combination of medications?

“If you can see all the records, ethically, how can you do this?”

Coroner Ms Brown replied: “It is reviewed here [in the UK]. Unfortunately, the entirety of your population doesn’t seem to have that.

“I am not here to criticise another system – especially not in these dangerous times.

“[It is] unusual to find so many different [drugs]. Matters are done very differently in the US.”

The inquest was told Rachel’s death was “instantaneous” and resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.

Ms Brown said she had taken a “range of complex medications” but there was “no evidence she was taking any in excess”.

The coroner added: “She also had a congenital heart condition. This contributed to her death, along with the medications.”

Paying tribute, Rachel’s sister said her sister was an attorney who also worked in insurance and had a keen interest in history.

She said: “On April 30th, 2025, we lost an angel on earth and gained one in heaven.

“My beloved sister and friend to so many, Rachel S. Green, passed away peacefully in her sleep as she was flying from Minneapolis to London for a much-anticipated trip to the UK.

“My sister was the absolutely most incredible and selfless person in this world.

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“Rachel was a true saint. She gave to everyone and found true joy in helping others.

“If we could all be more like Rachel, the world would be a better place.”

Rachel was on her way to England to research a bookCredit: Facebook