Paraplegic charity campaigner Claire Lomas died from multiple severe traumatic injuries after her microlight aircraft crashed in Jordan on July 15, 2024, while filming a series for Apple's Vision Pro headset. Lomas, 44, who was paralyzed from the chest down following a horse-riding accident in 2007, veered off the runway and struck a large rock during landing.
An inquest at County Hall in Glenfield, Leicestershire, was told that Lomas, a prolific charity fundraiser, died more than five weeks later at King Hussein Medical Centre in Amman. Lina Zilinskaite, a senior producer for Atlantic Productions, told the inquest that the company was commissioned by Apple to create a series where each episode features an athlete undertaking a challenge. "It was always controlled risk. Individuals were doing this as a big hobby or profession in some instances. We are not plucking people off the street to do it," Zilinskaite stated.
Lomas was reportedly delighted to be selected for the series, with Zilinskaite noting her experience with media and her enthusiasm for the opportunity. Lomas had obtained a microlight pilot license several years prior. The production company was aware that she required assistance to board and exit the specially adapted aircraft due to her paralysis.
Zilinskaite mentioned that while there were concerns about Lomas being nervous about flying in Jordan, she was "absolutely sure she wanted to fly." A report indicated that the wind strength on the day of the crash was light and from the left, considered normal, and the camera equipment, though heavier than ideal, did not exceed the aircraft's weight limit for takeoff. The flight had been postponed the previous day due to strong winds.
Test flights with the camera mounted on the microlight had been conducted in the UK, and Lomas had flown without the camera in Jordan prior to the fatal incident. On the day of the crash, she flew for approximately 15 minutes before attempting to land. The coroner noted that Lomas hit a large rock during the landing sequence. Zilinskaite, who had prepared to film the landing, instinctively did not record because the approach was not straight. "She veered off the runway then I just heard this noise," Zilinskaite recounted emotionally, describing Lomas as incredibly stubborn and strong-willed.
Lomas, a mother, was reportedly excited to return home to her family after weeks in the hospital. However, she subsequently developed an infection and her condition deteriorated rapidly. She passed away on August 22. Lomas was also known for completing the London Marathon in 2012 in a 'bionic' suit, raising significant funds for spinal research. She was a motivational speaker, a qualified pilot, and was awarded an MBE in 2017.
Family members did not attend the inquest, citing that it was too painful so close to the anniversary of her death. Lomas's relatives' representative, Ben Bradley KC, stated that they have concerns about the hospital care Lomas received in Jordan, but this falls outside the coroner's jurisdiction for formal investigation. The inquest is ongoing.