Taiwan flight attendant, 34, who worked while ill & died, asked for leave documents during funeral

A 34-year-old Taiwanese flight attendant died while on duty during a flight from Milan to Taiwan after she was allegedly made to continue working despite being ill.

On the day of her funeral, she received a message from the company asking that she submit supporting documents for her leave request.

Message sent in error: Airline

According to Focus Taiwan, Eva Airways said in a statement that the message was sent in error by a staff member.

The staff member was not familiar with their work duties and will conduct a review to make improvements, the airline added.

The company expressed regret for causing distress to the deceased's family and extended its "deepest apologies".

Investigations ongoing

According to the Taoyuan City Office of Labour Inspection, the 34-year-old, surnamed Sun, was serving on a Sep. 24 flight when she reported feeling unwell, Focus Taiwan reported.

After touching down at Taoyuan International Airport on Sep. 25, Sun sought medical treatment at a clinic and returned home.

Her condition worsened and she was admitted to the hospital on Sep. 26.

She was later transferred to another hospital on Oct. 8, where she died two days later.

The authorities said it found that the airline's working hours and rest intervals were in compliance with regulatory requirements.

They also said the company did not refuse Sun's leave requests, Focus Taiwan reported.

Investigators are still looking to question fellow flight attendants and the manager on duty on whether Sun was denied medical assistance or discouraged from taking sick leave.

Eva Airways has launched an internal investigation.

Sun's case came to light after an online post, written by someone alleging to be a fellow flight attendant and complaining about the circumstances leading to Sun's death, made its rounds.

Top image via ettoday