British Airways crew member found dead during San Francisco stopover

A British Airways staff member was found dead in his hotel accommodation during a stopover in the US.

The return journey to Britain was cancelled by distressed crew members after they found his body at their San Francisco accommodation on Tuesday.

Concern arose when the well-liked flight attendant did not appear for the scheduled return service to Heathrow after being in the city for 48 hours.

The flight deck crew departed for San Francisco airport separately, whilst other crew members waited in the hotel lobby. Upon his non-appearance, they were taken to his room, where he had reportedly remained undiscovered for two days. Investigations into the cause of death are ongoing.

The cancellation affected numerous travellers, who received hotel accommodation and were subsequently rebooked on alternative flights.

A source told The Sun: "There was no way the flight back from San Francisco could go ahead. Staff were in absolute bits at the sudden loss of their friend. The steward was a popular member of the team and this came as a bolt from the blue."

British Airways verified that the individual was their employee. In a statement to The Independent the airline said: "Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of our colleague at this difficult time."