An inquest has been opened into the death of a 23-year-old Virgin Atlantic engineer who died from a traumatic brain injury following an incident at Heathrow Airport. Georgie Buxton, an aircraft technician, was conducting maintenance tests on a Boeing 787 when machinery is believed to have collapsed on him, causing craniofacial trauma.
Buxton was taken to the hospital on June 11, 2026, and remained in intensive care for four weeks before his life support was switched off. He died on July 7, 2026. Senior coroner Lydia Brown opened and suspended the inquest at West London Coroner's Court on Thursday, stating that post-mortem examination results confirmed a traumatic brain injury as the cause of death.
The Metropolitan Police, in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive, have launched a criminal investigation into the incident. Officers were called to Heathrow Airport on the morning of June 11 following reports of an injured man. Details regarding potential charges have not yet been provided by the coroner.
Buxton had joined Virgin Atlantic as an aircraft technician approximately two years prior to the incident. He had previously expressed enthusiasm about expanding his knowledge of different airframes in a LinkedIn post. A source described him as a "young and very loved member of the team."
Virgin Atlantic confirmed Buxton's passing, stating, "We are heartbroken to confirm that a much-loved member of our engineering team has passed away." The airline expressed its condolences to Buxton's family, friends, and colleagues, and affirmed its commitment to supporting loved ones. The company is cooperating with the ongoing investigation by relevant authorities and the aircraft manufacturer to determine the full facts of the incident. The Boeing 787 involved in the incident has been grounded pending further safety assessments.
