A mother of three flight attendants fell dead in front of shocked passengers as they boarded their flight.
Gabriella Cario, 57, was already feeling unwell when she waited at the gate on Saturday afternoon.
However, she decided not to seek medical help because she wanted to return home to her husband and three sons.
As she boarded the plane, her condition deteriorated and she died within minutes, in front of shocked passengers and colleagues.
All passengers were removed from the plane and emergency services rushed to the aircraft.
They tried to resuscitate the 57-year-old, but their efforts were in vain.
Gabriella Cario, 57, (pictured) was already feeling unwell as she waited at the gate on Saturday afternoon
As she boarded the plane, her condition deteriorated and she died within minutes in front of shocked passengers and colleagues.
The tragedy occurred at Reggio Calabria airport, southeast of Naples, Italy (photo)
The tragedy occurred at Reggio Calabria airport, southeast of Naples, Italy.
ITA Airways Flight 1156 to Rome Fiumicino was delayed until the evening after Cario’s death.
Other flights were also delayed.
Cario worked as a flight attendant for ITA Airways, but returned to her home in Sabaudia, near Latina, as a passenger.
Originally from Naples, she worked from Rome on domestic and international flights.
Her funeral will be held on September 17 in Sabaudia. Her cause of death is still a mystery and so far it has only been reported that she died suddenly.
Sabaudia Mayor Alberto Mosca said: ‘I knew Gabriella. She was a cheerful, always smiling and friendly woman.
“On behalf of the board and the entire community, I extend our sincere condolences to her husband and her three beloved children.”