A 44-year-old American lawyer, identified by relatives as Rachel S. Green of Minnesota, died in her sleep aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis to London on April 30, 2025, according to testimony heard at West London Coroner’s Court. She was traveling with her mother when she became unresponsive midflight; efforts by cabin crew and a volunteer physician failed to revive her, and authorities confirmed her death after landing at Heathrow.
At a recent inquest, the coroner concluded Green’s death resulted from “misadventure,” a classification used in England and Wales when unintended consequences from lawful acts lead to a fatality. Evidence presented in court described an undiagnosed heart feature and a mix of prescribed medications found during toxicology. The hearing closed the fact-finding phase into how, when, where and by what means she died. The ruling comes nine months after the flight and clarifies the official account of a case that drew wide attention because of its suddenness and the challenges of responding to medical emergencies over the Atlantic.
Green boarded the overnight flight with her mother for what family described as a research trip tied to a writing project. As cabin lights dimmed, she rested her head on her mother’s shoulder and appeared to fall asleep. When routine checks failed to rouse her, crew made a general announcement for medical assistance. A physician among the passengers examined her as flight attendants prepared emergency equipment. Passengers were asked to remain seated while responders worked in the aisle. Attempts to resuscitate her continued as the aircraft crossed the ocean. After landing at Heathrow, paramedics met the flight and the death was referred to the coroner, the standard process for sudden deaths connected to the airport.
In court, the coroner said pathology revealed a congenital cardiac feature sometimes called myocardial tunneling or bridging, in which a segment of a coronary artery runs through the heart muscle rather than across its surface. Toxicology identified prescription antidepressants and melatonin, along with cannabinoids and a small amount of alcohol. The coroner said the medications were believed to have been taken as prescribed. On the balance of probabilities, the combination of substances in the setting of the congenital anatomy precipitated a sudden fatal event. There was no evidence of intentional overdose, according to the inquest record. The hearing also summarized statements from cabin crew and the onboard doctor describing repeated assessments and coordination through landing.
Family members described Green as an attorney and writer from East Bethel, Minn., who had long planned to spend time in the United Kingdom for historical research. In remarks shared with reporters, her sister said Green was “selfless” and questioned whether prior medical notes indicating irregularities should have prompted referral to a cardiologist before international travel. The coroner acknowledged those concerns while noting the inquest’s remit is limited to establishing the circumstances of death rather than adjudicating clinical negligence. Relatives also recounted the sequence aboard the aircraft as they understood it, including the moment Green’s mother realized her daughter was unresponsive and asked crew for help.
Sudden deaths on aircraft bound for Heathrow fall under West London Coroner’s Court, which routinely examines such cases to determine identity, timing, location and medical cause. Myocardial bridging is frequently asymptomatic and many who have it never experience complications; however, experts note it can alter blood flow under certain conditions. The inquest materials indicate the interaction between the congenital feature and multiple substances likely caused a catastrophic event that could not be reversed on board. Aviation medical protocols emphasize stabilizing care, early calls for medical volunteers and coordination with destination authorities; statements summarized at the hearing suggest those steps occurred during the flight.
The court’s conclusion ends formal proceedings in the coroner’s jurisdiction unless new evidence emerges. Any professional reviews related to prescribing decisions or airline procedures, if contemplated, would be handled by separate bodies that oversee clinicians and carriers. Delta Air Lines acknowledged the incident in the days after it occurred and cooperated with authorities, according to documents summarized for the case file. No criminal investigation was opened. Family and friends in Minnesota organized memorials last year and shared tributes that highlighted Green’s legal work, her love of history and her plan to write during her time in Britain.
On board, passengers recalled a quiet cabin during the overnight crossing and a subdued landing as emergency personnel met the aircraft. Afterward, family members described being escorted through the arrival process and into the care of authorities while arrangements were made. The inquest heard that Green’s mother provided a statement and later attended memorial events back home. “She poured herself into helping others,” her sister said in a written tribute, adding that the family hoped the court’s conclusions would give clarity about the medical sequence and the limits of what could have been done midflight.
As of Tue., Jan. 27, officials said the coroner’s misadventure ruling stands and no further hearings are scheduled. Any updates would appear in the court’s public record if additional information is filed in the coming weeks.
Author note: Last updated January 27, 2026.