Virgin engineer died after traumatic brain injury

A Virgin Atlantic engineer died after suffering a traumatic brain injury when he was hit in the face in an incident at Heathrow Airport, a coroners' court has heard.

Aircraft technician Georgie Buxton, 23, was injured on the morning of 11 June and died at St Mary's Hospital on 7 July.

Senior coroner Lydia Brown opened and suspended an inquest into his death at West London Coroners' Court on Thursday, as she is waiting to see if any criminal charges are brought.

Brown said a forensic post-mortem examination found Mr Buxton had suffered a traumatic brain injury – a craniofacial trauma.

She said: "There was an accident at Georgie's place of work. He took a trauma to the face causing him complex and tragically fatal injuries.

"He did undergo various surgeries in hospital but these were not able to save life."

Buxton started working for Virgin Atlantic two years ago, according to his LinkedIn profile.

A criminal investigation has been launched by the Metropolitan Police who are working with the Health and Safety Executive.

The coroner said she had no details of any potential charges.

Officers were called at 08:49 BST on 11 June to reports that a man had been injured at Heathrow Airport, the Met said on Tuesday.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday: "We are heartbroken to confirm that a much-loved member of our engineering team has passed away.

"Our thoughts are firmly with Georgie's family, loved ones, friends and colleagues at this incredibly sad and challenging time.

"We're providing support to loved ones wherever we can and sharing our heartfelt condolences to everyone affected.

"Georgie's family has asked for privacy at this very difficult time."

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