Pictured: Father-of-two, 40, who died after falling ill on a Jet2 plane en route from Bulgaria to Liverpool – as distraught family attempt to ‘bring him home’

The name of a passenger who died after falling ill on his return journey from Bulgaria to Liverpool has been revealed, with his grieving family launching a fundraising campaign to ‘bring him home’.

Father-of-two Chris Neill was on his return flight from Bourgas with his sons Reece (19) and Archie (8) when he felt unwell on the Jet2 flight.

The plane made an emergency landing in Cologne, Germany, where he was escorted from the plane to emergency services.

But as the 40-year-old walked down the plane’s steps to the runway, he collapsed and later died of a suspected heart attack.

In the meantime, Chris’s parents, Malcom and Lesley, have set up a GoFundMe to raise money to return their son’s body to the UK and arrange a funeral for him.

Chris Neill with his sons Reece, 17, and Archie, eight, on Everton’s Goodison Park pitch

Father-of-two Chris Neill (pictured) was on his return flight from Bourgas with his sons Reece, 19, and Archie, 8, when he felt unwell during the flight on Monday 16 September

About two hours after the flight from Burgas to Liverpool took off, the crew declared an emergency (file photo)

The family reported on the fundraising page that Chris thought he had travel insurance through his bank, Halifax, but it had expired without being renewed.

Within the first five hours of launch, the fundraiser had already raised almost £7,000 of its £15,000 target.

Malcom Neill wrote on the GoFundMe page: ‘Chris passed away on his way home from a holiday in Bulgaria with his children. The plane diverted to Germany where Chris is now.

‘We believe Chris thought he had insurance through his bank account, but it turns out he let the renewal lapse.

‘It’s going to cost him around £12,000 to £15,000 to get him home, something his parents simply don’t have.

“Please help bring Chris home to his parents and children. Thank you from all of Chris’ family and friends. DONATE TODAY.”

According to his social media profile, Mr Neill was a self-employed plasterer living on the Isle of Man.

His father told Mail Online his son’s death was “tragic” and appealed for “help us get him home”.

Former colleague William Wren wrote: ‘Chris worked for us on the Isle of Man when he lived here.

‘He was a really nice guy. Can’t believe it! It’s so sad. Condolences to everyone who has to deal with Chris on your loss.’

A Jet2 spokesperson said: “We can confirm that flight LS3214 from Bourgas to Liverpool John Lennon was diverted to Cologne on Monday 16th September due to a customer requiring medical attention. Sadly we can confirm that the customer has sadly passed away.

In the meantime, Chris’s parents, Malcom and Lesley, have set up a GoFundMe to raise money to return their son’s body to the UK and arrange a funeral for him.

“We would like to express our sincere condolences to the customer’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Jet2 flight LS3214 departed Burgas for the UK just after 1pm local time last Monday, with Chris and his sons on board.

Approximately two hours into the flight, the crew declared an emergency due to a medical situation involving a man on board.

The pilots requested an immediate diversion and the Boeing 737-800 landed in Germany after a rapid descent.

Chris was was reportedly He suffered a cardiac arrest and tragically died, despite the best efforts of the passengers and crew on board.

According to AirLive, the plane was parked in a remote spot at Cologne Airport and a medical team rushed to the scene.

The return flight to the UK was delayed until later that evening.