Kenyan Teenager Dies Aboard a Delta Airlines Flight in the US
A Kenyan teenager in the United States reportedly died inside a Minneapolis-bound Delta Airlines flight that had left San Diego, California.
18-year-old Griffin Gutwa, a medicine student at the University of San Diego, California allegedly died after falling asleep in the plane while on his way home for Christmas Holiday.
The former Burnsville High School graduate is the the oldest of four children and was the first to attend college since his parents relocated to the US in 2004.
Reports in the US media said that the teenager called his family on the morning of December 22nd moments before boarding the plane from San Diego to Minneapolis.
"He had just finished his exams," said his father, Gideon Gutwa. "He was excited to come home."
Griffin allegedly requested for warm water an hour in the flight before he leaned his head against the window and fell asleep, never to wake up, passengers in the plane said.
The pilot made an emergency landing at an airport Sioux Falls, South Dakota after learning of Gutwa's situation, but paramedics at the airport announced him dead minutes later, Sioux Falls Police Department said.
His body was left in Sioux Falls and the flight continued with the journey. His family was informed of his death by Minneapolis St Paul International Airport authorities, who asked him to collect his body.
On arrival, police approached senior Gutwa and asked if he was Griffin's father. This, he said, confused him.
"How come they know my son?" he said.
The officers directed him and the family to an office where they told him Griffin was dead.
"I thought I was dreaming. I could not believe it," Gideon said. "He was very healthy. He had just been here for thanksgiving. We were expecting him to arrive safely."
Sioux Falls medical examiner is still investigating what could have lead to his death.
Comments (15)
May God rest his soul in peace and may he give this family that peace which surpasses all human understanding. This is the 10th case so far affecting our young Kenyan men.
Add another name.Maybe you are Omera Kihii or Omera wuowi.
so sad indeed RIP.
Poleni sana. I thought to study medicine in usa you must have a 4 yrs degree first. At 18 yrs it is very hard to have a 4 yrs degree.
good observation however some premed schools accept adanced placement courses from high school.not many though
Who lied to you, Read the article well. He graduated from High school and hes in the University taking classes to either be an MD or Pharmd or a Nuclear Doc.To be either of this you have to either take pre-med or have a bachelors in any science course may it be Chemistry, physics, Nursing or Engineering.
which one is the 'nuclear doc' degree?
@Omera, my point is that many students graduate from High School at the age of 17 yrs or 18 yrs. To be accepted to many medical Schools in usa you must have a 4 yrs degree. Do the mathematics
RIP. Gone too soon. You would have been a great doctor.
Mwakilishi this gentleman passed last year. Why are you reporting it now? Has Raila been taking too much of your space? Time to shape up or ship out.
FUnda , Nugu stop being tribal, how does BABA come in here?
Great question, "how does Baba come in?" Through your butt. you act like you need mukwanju to calm you down. Learn the context before running your fingers on the key board. Bure Kabisa, go troll elsewhere.
I agree with Mugikuyu this is stale old news and mwakilishi needs to style up everything he reports is all about raila and kalonzo. Kenyans back home have moved on.. Bure kabisa mafi ya Kuku come again and get good news coverage
Aki Moses Kuria, I don't think the dude meant it the way you took it! Lakini ati "Funda!"... you propelled me back to my childhood! Drunken Uncle, walking down a path with a quarter of nyama half wrapped in gazettiou get the picture, right?!
....LOL"
On a somber note, pole to the family. May he rest in peace. He was going home, and home indeed he went...to be with the Lord. Amen.
Poleni sana.