A YOUNG dad died without warning as he sat beside his wife on a flight home from a birthday getaway.
The sudden mid-air tragedy forced an emergency landing as crews rushed to try and save him.
39-year-old Andres Castro died of a heart attack mid-flight while sitting next to his wife on their way home from a birthday trip in Bolivia[/caption]
Paramedics raced him to a hospital, but he could not be revived[/caption]
Castro leaves behind his young son, AJ, along with his parents and siblings[/caption]
Officials told the family it could cost around $25,000 to prepare and transport his remains back to Oregon[/caption]
The heartbreaking ordeal happened as the Oregon man was returning from Bolvia earlier this week.
Loved ones said the 39-year-old collapsed mid-flight, leaving his wife stunned and helpless beside him.
Pilots diverted the plane to Colombia, where medics were waiting on the ground.
Paramedics raced him to a hospital, but he could not be revived.
Relatives later confirmed he had suffered a fatal heart attack.
The father-of-one was identified as Andres Castro.
His family said he was traveling with his wife, Suanny, after celebrating both of their birthdays abroad.
They had also been visiting her relatives in South America before the tragedy struck.
Castro leaves behind his young son, AJ, along with his parents and siblings.
His body remains in Colombia as relatives scramble to cover costs to bring him home.
Officials told the family it could cost around $25,000 to prepare and transport his remains back to Oregon.
“It’s a process with the embassy and my family,” his sister Tiffany explained. “We’re all just trying to work together to figure it out.”
The grieving sibling shared details of the nightmare in a GoFundMe appeal.
The fundraiser was launched on Monday to help with expenses; the family is already caring for their ill mother.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, damaging heart muscle.
Common symptoms:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Pain radiating to arm, neck, or jaw
Risk Factors: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, family history, stress.
Prevention Tips:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid smoking
- Manage stress
- Get regular medical check-ups
Call emergency services immediately if symptoms appear
“This is not a grief we ever imagined facing so soon,” his brother Teo Ramirez said.
“We all miss him. We just can’t believe he’s gone,” Tiffany told local CBS affiliate KOIN.
Tiffany described being extremely close to her brother despite their 10-year age gap.
“I feel broken, our whole family, it’s hard, trying to keep it together the best that we can,” she said.
Ramirez said they are leaning on faith to cope, writing: “We put our trust in God and know that He will provide a path forward. He always makes a way.”
The family has also reached out to Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon for help.
Wyden’s office confirmed it is working with the US embassy in Colombia to assist with arrangements.
“It’s just hard to believe that he’s not here,” she added.
The online fundraiser has already pulled in more than $19,000 toward its $25,000 goal.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you again for walking alongside us in this difficult journey,” Ramirez added
