NEW DELHI: The British passenger who died after encountering severe turbulence on a Singapore-bound flight has been named as 73-year-old grandfather Geoffrey Kitchen.
Geoffrey Kitchen, a retired insurance industry professional and amateur theater actor, flew to Singapore from Heathrow Airport on a 10pm flight on Monday.
Neighbors who spoke to the Guardian said he and his wife Linda were planning to stop in Singapore on their way to Australia, where they were planning to enjoy a six-week holiday.
Originally from Bristol, Kitchen has lived most of his life in Thornbury, Gloucestershire, moving to his current semi-detached home in 2012. He leaves behind his son, who runs a window cleaning business, and a daughter who lives in Wales.
said Jill Dimond, a close friend and neighbor. He was smart, funny, a great performer, and had a deep interest in theater. It was his passion. ”
The Kitchens were guests at the Dimonds' home last week, and the two couples often take walks around the area.
After retiring, Kitchen founded the Thornbury Musical Theater Group and appeared in the Dick Whittington pantomime last Christmas. The troupe has two performances scheduled this year.
He has recently campaigned for the reopening of Armstrong Hall in Thornbury, which was previously used for theatre productions.
In an open letter published last year, Kitchen said: “Without this facility, our community is further impoverished and long-standing creative forces are at risk of disappearing. It's not too late, but this is very urgent now.”
Another neighbor who lives in the Kitchen cul-de-sac expressed sadness over his death: “I knew him as a neighbor. His son cleans my windows. It's such a shock.”
The Department for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development has been contacted for comment.
(Information provided by agency)
Geoffrey Kitchen, a retired insurance industry professional and amateur theater actor, flew to Singapore from Heathrow Airport on a 10pm flight on Monday.
Neighbors who spoke to the Guardian said he and his wife Linda were planning to stop in Singapore on their way to Australia, where they were planning to enjoy a six-week holiday.
Originally from Bristol, Kitchen has lived most of his life in Thornbury, Gloucestershire, moving to his current semi-detached home in 2012. He leaves behind his son, who runs a window cleaning business, and a daughter who lives in Wales.
said Jill Dimond, a close friend and neighbor. He was smart, funny, a great performer, and had a deep interest in theater. It was his passion. ”
The Kitchens were guests at the Dimonds' home last week, and the two couples often take walks around the area.
After retiring, Kitchen founded the Thornbury Musical Theater Group and appeared in the Dick Whittington pantomime last Christmas. The troupe has two performances scheduled this year.
He has recently campaigned for the reopening of Armstrong Hall in Thornbury, which was previously used for theatre productions.
In an open letter published last year, Kitchen said: “Without this facility, our community is further impoverished and long-standing creative forces are at risk of disappearing. It's not too late, but this is very urgent now.”
Another neighbor who lives in the Kitchen cul-de-sac expressed sadness over his death: “I knew him as a neighbor. His son cleans my windows. It's such a shock.”
The Department for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development has been contacted for comment.
(Information provided by agency)