Singapore Airlines flight: Tributes paid to Thornbury man who died during severe turbulence

  • Friends of Geoff Kitchen described him as a "gentleman with the utmost honesty"

A man who died when a Singapore Airlines flight hit severe turbulence has been named as a theatre director from South Gloucestershire.

Geoffrey Ralph Kitchen, 73, died on board the London to Singapore flight on 21 May.

Mr Kitchen lived in Thornbury, on the outskirts of Bristol. He belonged to the Thornbury Musical Theatre Group and served various roles over 35 years.

In a Facebook tribute, a spokesperson from the group said: "It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the devastating news of the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend Geoff Kitchen in the recent Singapore Air Incident.

"Geoff was always a gentleman with the utmost honesty and integrity and always did what was right for the group.

"His commitment to TMTG was unquestionable and he has served the group and the local community of Thornbury for over 35 years, holding various offices within the group, including Chairman, Treasurer and most recently Secretary.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and the family at this difficult time, and we ask that you respect their privacy."

'Geoff is a great performer and it'll be a different world without him'

Lizzie Adkins, a friend of Geoff's who took part in shows with him, said: "He was just lovely.

"He was an incredible, steady, reliable, responsible guy but with a beautiful sense of humour, a gleam in his eye all the time.

"I've just been thinking about him loads and I just can't not smile - he was lovely.

"Whenever we did anything amongst the group, whenever I turned up to an event - if he was there - I felt relief, I felt that everything was going to be in safe hands."

Geoff was a "great singer" and a funny actor, taking part in numerous pantos in Thornbury.

Recalling the shows she took part in with him, Lizzie said "He's always been very supportive of the group and as well as that, he's a great performer. A very good singer and a very funny actor, I've done many pantos with him.

"I'll always be so grateful that I knew him, I will miss his support in life. It's going to be a very different world without him."

She added: "I just loved him, I loved him... I love him, I will always love him."

Geoff's friends from his theatre group have been paying tribute to him and say life will not be the same without him.

Mr Kitchen's wife was also on board the flight and remains in hospital.

Seven others were critically injured and a total of 18 people remain in hospital.

The flight was diverted to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport after the incident where people are receiving medical treatment.

At a press conference held after the plane landed, the general manager of the airport said the man died from a possible heart attack.

In a statement, Singapore Airlines said Flight SQ321 encountered severe turbulence.

The statement said: "We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER. There were a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew on board.

"Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased."

The statement went on: "Our priority is to provide all possible assistance to all passengers and crew on board the aircraft.

"We are working with the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary medical assistance, and sending a team to Bangkok to provide any additional assistance needed."

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