Mystery as BA crewman, 52, is found dead with ‘no visible injuries’ in Johannesburg

A British Airways cabin crew member was found dead hours after flying from Heathrow to Johannesburg following a night out with friends. 

Robert Gay, 52, joined colleagues for food and drink following the 11-hour flight from London. 

Mr Gay became separated from his friends and was found collapsed on the floor unconscious. 

Mr Gay was on a layover with colleagues in Johannesburg having arrived earlier from Heathrow

Mr Gay became separated from his colleagues in Johannesburg at the end of the evening 

Paramedics battled to save his life but unfortunately they were unsuccessful. 

Local police are investigating the cause of Mr Gay’s death, although initial reports suggest he had ‘no visible injuries’. 

An investigation source said: ‘It appears he was walking back to crew hotel and got separated from his friends and was found dead at 4am on February 5.

‘It is suspected that the cause of death was a heart attack, although the full post mortem results are awaited.’

However, Johannesburg is renowned for its incredibly high crime rate so police have not ruled out whether Mr Gay was a victim of a crime. 

According to Sun on Sunday, cabin crew have previously reported attacks when on layovers describing parts of the city as ‘lawless’. 

One source said his family and colleagues are devastated: ‘Rob was loved by everyone at BA. We are all in pieces.

‘Security is being tightened for airline crews.’

A spokesperson for BA told MailOnline: ‘We’re deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts and sincere condolences are with our colleague’s family and friends at this sad time.

‘We’re providing support to all of our colleagues that may be affected by this sad news.’ 

The Foreign and Commonwealth office told Mailonline: ‘We are providing consular assistance following the death of a British man in South Africa.’