A British Airways flight attendant who was found dead in a hotel room under mysterious circumstances has been named. Irfan Ali Mirza, 45, landed in San Francisco from Heathrow Airport on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, and had a two-day layover in the city before his return flight. However, he did not show up for work on Thursday, April 24, prompting concern from his colleagues. When he failed to answer his phone, crew hotel staff forced entry into his hotel room, where they discovered him dead in bed.
Authorities responded to the scene and stated they "did not discover any evidence of foul play." The San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not yet confirmed Mirza's cause of death or whether his body is still in their possession, according to reports from MailOnline.
Mirza, a seasoned flight attendant with over 20 years of experience, leaves behind a wife and three young children, the youngest of whom was born just last year. His brother, Kamran Mirza, expressed his grief and gratitude to Irfan's colleagues for their support during this difficult time. "I cannot express how hard it is that Irfan left his parents, us three siblings, and his wife and three young children behind. It’s totally heartbreaking," he said.
Kamran further shared the emotional bond he shared with his brother, stating, "We both were born in the same month, June, only four days apart. There were times we celebrated our birthday at the same time. Now that moment will never come again. It’s heartbreaking." The flight from San Francisco to Heathrow, which was supposed to take off on the afternoon of April 17, was canceled as Mirza’s crewmates were reportedly too upset to fly after his body was found. Passengers were not informed of the reason for the cancellation and were provided hotel accommodations while new travel arrangements were made.
Colleagues of Mirza have been vocal about their shock and sadness following his untimely death. Bailey Patter, a fellow flight attendant, described him as "an amazing, kind soul" and recalled their first flight together on a trip to Hong Kong, which turned into a cherished memory. "We would always giggle about it over the years to come. My heart goes out to friends and family of Irfan; he was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed," Patter added.
Another colleague, Danielle Crane, remembered Mirza as "one of the most genuine, funniest and kindest crew members" she had the pleasure of flying with. She reflected on a memorable trip they took to Nassau, saying he made it fun and had everyone laughing. "The world is a sadder place without him in it," she lamented.
Mirza's warm personality left a lasting impression on his coworkers. Dutchie Wallis, another flight attendant, described him as someone who "had pure sunshine in his soul and lit up a room with his expansive smile." She praised his lovely sense of humor, which often brought joy to their flights.
British Airways confirmed the tragic news, stating, "Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of our colleague at this difficult time." As the investigation continues, many in the aviation community are mourning the loss of a beloved colleague.
The circumstances surrounding Irfan Ali Mirza's death remain unclear, and the investigation by the medical examiner's office is ongoing. The flight attendant's family and friends are left grappling with the sudden loss, while colleagues remember him fondly for his kindness, humor, and dedication to his work.
As the aviation industry faces the emotional fallout from this tragedy, many are calling for more support systems for crew members dealing with the pressures of their profession. The loss of Mirza has highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and the need for a supportive community within the airline industry.
In the wake of this incident, it is crucial for airlines to ensure that their staff have access to the resources they need to cope with the challenges of their roles. The tragic death of Irfan Ali Mirza serves as a sobering reminder of the human element behind the aviation industry, where dedicated professionals work tirelessly to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.
As the investigation into the cause of Mirza's death continues, his family and colleagues hope to find answers while cherishing the memories of a man who touched the lives of many. His legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life.
