Flight attendant dies in the air after 31 years service

Honolulu. Hawii, USA _Hawaiian airlines aeroplane parked at gate in hawaiian capital honoluu interntiona airport on sunday 04 January 2015 hoto by Francis Joseph Dean/Deanpictures) (Photo by Francis Dean/Corbis via Getty Images)
Photo credit: Getty

A Hawaiian Airlines flight was diverted on Thursday (US Time) after an attendant who had been working with the airline for 31 years died on route to New York from the island state.

Emile Griffith was on Hawaiian Airlines flight HA50 on its way to New York from Honolulu with 253 passengers when the experienced flight attendant died from a suspected heart attack, reports local media.

The airline released a statement saying it was "deeply saddened" by the loss and was forever grateful for her service.

"Emile both loved and treasured his job at Hawaiian and always shared that our guests. Our hearts are with Emile's family, friends, and all those fortunate to have known him," it said.

One woman who claimed to be on the flight tweeted that crew asked for any doctors on the flight to go to first class to assist.

The airline organised for all passengers to be accommodated until the next available flight and provided with compensation.

Counselling services had also been provided to Ms Griffith's colleagues.

Newshub.