Gabriella Cario, a 57-year-old flight attendant and mother of three, collapsed and died on Saturday, September 14, 2024, in front of passengers while boarding an ITA Airways flight at Reggio Calabria Airport in Italy. The flight was bound for Rome, and despite feeling unwell at the gate, Cario chose not to seek medical assistance, prioritizing her desire to return home to her family.
According to reports, Cario appeared visibly unwell but insisted on continuing her journey. Shortly after boarding ITA Airways flight 1156, she collapsed in front of stunned passengers and crew members. Paramedics were quickly called to the scene, but they could not revive her despite their efforts. The exact cause of Cario’s death has not been officially determined, with reports only citing a sudden illness.
Cario was well-known in her community of Sabaudia, where her funeral was held. The Mayor of Sabaudia, Alberto Mosca, expressed his deep sadness over her passing, stating, “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”
In-flight medical emergencies are not as rare as one might assume. According to aviation health experts, approximately one out of every 604 flights will experience some form of medical emergency. The most common incidents include fainting, gastrointestinal problems, and cardiovascular symptoms. While flight crews are equipped with medical kits and automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and have protocols to consult with ground-based medical professionals, the nature of air travel can make managing these emergencies particularly challenging.
In 2024, several in-flight medical emergencies have gained global attention. In early January, a passenger on a Jet2 flight from Tenerife, Spain, to Manchester, England, was found unresponsive in the lavatory and later died. In early February, passengers on a Lufthansa flight to Munich, Germany witnessed a man experiencing severe bleeding from his nose and mouth, forcing the flight to return to Bangkok for an emergency landing, but the man passed away on the plane. Later in February, a 41-year-old woman began convulsing on a flight from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic to Charlotte, North Carolina; the plane was diverted, but she died at a hospital.
In this case, Cario’s collapse occurred while still on the ground, which allowed paramedics to reach her relatively quickly. However, despite their prompt response, they were unable to save her life.
Aviation protocols for handling medical emergencies are well-established, but they are not foolproof. Airlines are continually working to improve their response procedures, with many now participating in programs like Doctors on Board, which helps identify medical professionals among passengers who can assist during emergencies.