By Michaela Steuer and Christopher Buhl
Full of anticipation, Helen Rhodes (46) and her family embarked on a new adventure: after 15 years in Hong Kong, they wanted to return to Great Britain. But the journey ended in unimaginable family tragedy…
As several media reports, Helen Rhodes fell into a sleep from which she never woke up: the mother of two children died during the flight – her husband Simon and the two children Nathan and Emma had to sleep on the remaining eight, according to reports from friends of the family Flying hours sitting next to the dead. Immediately initiated rescue measures had remained unsuccessful.
The drama reportedly unfolded last Friday. After the accident, flight CX289 (Cathay Pacific) landed in Frankfurt for a scheduled stopover. Particularly dramatic for the traumatized family: Helen Rhodes’ body had to stay in Frankfurt, Simon and the children flew on to Great Britain.
BILD learned: An “unexplained cause of death” is noted in the death certificate – whether there will be an autopsy has yet to be decided. Until then, Helen’s body will remain in Germany.
“Helen was unique, a jewel”
A family friend, Jayne Jeje, judged a donation page on the GoFundMe donation platform a, wrote about the death of her friend: “Helen was unique, a jewel. She was a midwife and always ready to help people or give good advice. She loved to talk and made new friends quickly.”
Jayne Jeje described moving hours above the clouds: “After a few hours of flying, Helen suddenly became unresponsive. It all happened in front of their children. Helen lay in her seat and stopped breathing. Even though it was all extremely traumatizing for the whole family, they took the time to tell her everything they wanted to tell her.”
With the proceeds from the donation, Jayne wants to help the family with the costs of the funeral, among other things. She continues, “Create a legacy in Helen’s honor so her loved ones will feel how much she was loved and appreciated by many who have been blessed with her kindness, friendship and generous help. Allow those who care about Helen to contribute however they want.”
Helen Rhodes’ family are now awaiting the transfer of the body in the UK – and then have to start their new lives without Helen…