American Airlines Co-Pilot Collapses Dead Right Before Plane Has To Land

American Airlines issued a sad statement this week about one of its co-pilots.

The airline announced on Wednesday that one of its co-pilots, William “Mike” Grubbs, tragically and mysteriously died in the cockpit while the plane was landing in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

According to CNN, Grubbs was the captain of American Airlines Flight 1353, which was flying from Dallas-Fort Worth to Albuquerque. The plane was online two miles away from its destination when a medical emergency was declared.

Dan Jiron, a spokesperson for Albuquerque International Sunport, reported, “They landed without incident, taxied to the gate and were met by medical personnel.”

Despite paramedics performing CPR on Grubbs for 35-40 minutes, he was pronounced dead.

Polly Tracey, an American Airlines spokeswoman, released a statement stating, “American Airlines is deeply saddened by the death of first officer William “Mike” Grubbs. We’re taking care of first officer Grubbs family and colleagues and our thoughts and prayers are with them them during this time.”

There has been no cause of death revealed yet, but according to CNN, the Federal Aviation Administration is planning to follow up with American to learn more about what happened.

CNN has also reported that Boeing 737 planes can be safely landed by a single crew member, although that circumstance is not ideal.

Good job to the other pilot on board for getting the plane landed safely.

Disclaimer: We have no position in American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL) and have not been compensated for this article.