73-Year-Old Passenger Dies During Flight from Panama to Mendoza

A 73-year-old man died aboard a Copa Airlines flight from Panama to Mendoza after becoming ill during the journey, despite efforts to revive him.

The incident occurred on flight 420, which departed from Tocumen International Airport and landed at Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport, known as El Plumerillo, in Mendoza. The passenger was returning to the province when he began to feel unwell.

The crew activated emergency procedures and asked passengers for medical assistance. Professionals on board tried to stabilize the man and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The pilot considered diverting the aircraft to Colombia for an earlier landing, but the plane ultimately continued on its scheduled route.

The flight arrived in Mendoza early Thursday. Federal authorities were initially notified, but the federal court declined to intervene because there was no indication of a crime and the circumstances pointed to a natural death. The Las Heras prosecutor’s office ordered notification of emergency services and police attendance at the airport.

Scientific Police carried out procedures before the body was removed and taken to the morgue. The Forensic Medical Corps will determine the cause of death. Authorities have not released the passenger’s identity, nationality or any medical history connected to the episode.