"she fell in front of her seat and died on the spot.”
An aspiring chef was on her way to visit family in India for the first time in four years when she died on a Qantas flight just before it took off in Australia.
Manpreet Kaur boarded the plane at Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne on June 20, 2024.
The plane was scheduled to fly to Delhi, where her family lived.
It was going to be the first time she would see her family in four years, but sadly, she never made it.
The 24-year-old suffered a medical episode on the flight and medical assistance was immediately provided. However, she died in front of concerned passengers.
Ms Kaur’s friend Gurdip Grewal said she felt unwell in the hours before she arrived at the airport but managed to board the aircraft without any issues.
However, when she went to put on her seatbelt, Ms Kaur apparently fell to the floor and “died on the spot”.
Mr Grewal said: “When she got on the plane, she was struggling to put her seatbelt on.
“Just before her flight started, she fell in front of her seat and died on the spot.”
The plane was still attached to the gate in Melbourne when cabin crew and emergency services rushed to help her.
It is understood that Manpreet Kaur died from tuberculosis, an infectious disease that mostly affects the lungs.
Ms Kaur had not seen her family since 2020 when she moved to Australia.
Her roommate, Kuldeep, said Ms Kaur had worked at Australia Post while studying cookery, with dreams of one day becoming a chef.
She said: “She was kind and honest.
“She loved to travel with her friends around Victoria.”
A GoFundMe page has been created for Ms Kaur to help her family.
The page reads: “Our dear friend Manpreet left us too soon, leaving a void in our lives that can never be filled.
“As we grieve her passing, we want to come together to honour her memory and support her family in their time of need.
“As we say our final goodbyes, every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to our goal.”
“Your support means the world to us and Manpreet’s family.”
The fundraiser has surpassed its $30,000 target, reaching more than $37,000.
Victoria Police are preparing a report for the coroner.
A spokesperson said: “As the matter is before the coroner we will not be providing further comment.”
A Qantas spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”
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