Tributes paid to retired insurance manager who died on Singapore Airlines flight

Tributes have been paid to former insurance worker Geoff Kitchen, who died after a Singapore Airlines flight was hit by severe turbulence.

Kitchen, who used to work as the business development manager at Acturis, was reported to have suffered a suspected heart attack after the plane encountered sudden extreme turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000 feet.

The incident resulted in dozens injuries, with multiple passengers ending up in hospital.

Kitchen was named as the only fatality on the plane, which was on route to Singapore after taking off from London Heathrow.

Tributes have now been paid to Kitchen, who was reported to be taking a holiday with his wife.

Sean Neal, commercial director and chief commercial officer of SchemeService, said on LinkedIn: “How sad to hear the loss of Geoff Kitchen, fondly remembered from his time with Acturis Limited.

“A gentle man in every aspect, he was a lovely guy. Sincere condolences to his family and colleagues.”

Peter Robinson, deputy chairman of Biba in the West Midlands region and managing director of Prizm Solutions, added: “So sorry to hear it was Geoff Kitchen, ex Acturis Limited, who died due to turbulence on the Singapore Airlines flight.

“He was a true gentleman and was instrumental in us selecting Acturis as our software when we formed Prizm Solutions Ltd back in 2006.

“Rest easily my friend, your walk across the black sands came too soon.”

A spokesperson from Acturis said Kitchen ”was instrumental in the growth of the Acturis system in the early days and is fondly remembered as a warm and caring individual by all of us at Acturis and our partner customers alike”.

”Geoff joined us from Axa in the very early days of Acturis and, as was the case back then, worked on a number of different projects including the design of our first commercial eTrade products,” they said.

”He then worked on the broker sales and implementation team, supporting our first broker clients.

”Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and their family.”

Investigation

After the plane hit turbulence, the pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted the aircraft to Bangkok.

Singapore Airlines said it was fully cooperating with the relevant authorities in the investigation into the incident.

Goh Choon Phong, chief executive of Singapore Airlines, said: “On behalf of Singapore Airlines, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased passenger.

“We also deeply apologise for the trauma experienced by all passengers and crew members on this flight. We are providing all possible assistance and support to them, along with their families and loved ones, during this difficult time. The well-being of our passengers and staff is our utmost priority.”