A DISABLED plane passenger who died following a fall on an escalator at Gatwick Airport has been identified as a Basingstoke grandfather.

In June, an investigation was launched into the death of a disabled man who reportedly fell after getting off without a helper at Gatwick Airport.

The passenger was said to have fallen down an escalator after making his own way into the terminal at around 12.50pm on Wednesday, June 15.

The man who died has now been named as 82-year-old Gerardo Silano from Byron Close, Basingstoke. An inquest opening on July 12 found Mr Silano had collapsed on an escalator and fractured his spinal cord.

The father-of-three, who had worked as a hospital laundry operative and reportedly had four grandchildren, had travelled home from Naples in his native country of Italy, on an easyJet flight.

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Paying tribute, his son Raffaele, 45, told The Sun: “Dad lived for us boys and mum and the grandkids. He was a super relaxed, very calm sort of guy.

“He was a massive football fan. He loved Man Utd and would go up to Old Trafford.

"Dad was a hard worker who spent his life doing manual work, but he was always smiling. He really enjoyed life.”

Sussex Police confirmed in June that the man’s death was not being treated as suspicious, while a report for the coroner was prepared.

The incident came days after the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it had seen an increase in reports of “significant service failings” at airports, including incidents where passengers needing assistance have been taken off a plane hours after other passengers.

EasyJet confirmed the death in a statement, adding members of its cabin crew gave medical assistance to the unnamed passenger while waiting for help from paramedics.

The airline said: “A number of our cabin crew provided medical assistance to a passenger at Gatwick Airport whilst waiting for paramedics to arrive, however the passenger sadly later passed away.

“Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time.”

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A Gatwick Airport spokesperson said the incident occurred while airport staff were helping to disembark three passengers with restricted mobility (PRM), adding staff shortages played no role in the incident.

The spokesperson said at the time: “This is a sad and tragic incident and our thoughts remain with the family of the deceased.

“A member of Wilson James staff was waiting when the aircraft arrived and was in the process of disembarking the three PRM passengers when the incident occurred.

“Staff shortages were not a factor in this incident as has been claimed. It is normal for one staff member to disembark three passengers who require assistance by taking them one at a time the short distance to the waiting buggy.

“A formal investigation is currently under way and it would not be appropriate to comment further.”

West Sussex Coroner's Court has confirmed that the inquest into Mr Silano's death will now be held on December 13 at Edes House, Chichester.

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