Virgin Atlantic engineer, 23, died after suffering traumatic brain injury when he was hit in the face at Heathrow Airport, inquest hears

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 10:30 EDT, 30 July 2026 | Updated: 10:47 EDT, 30 July 2026 A Virgin Atlantic engineer died from a traumatic brain injury when he was hit in the face at Heathrow Airport, a coroner's court has heard.Aircraft technician Georgie Buxton was carrying out maintenance tests on a Boeing 787 when machinery is believed to have suddenly collapsed on him.The 23-year-old was rushed to hospital on June 11 and spent four weeks in intensive care before his life support machines were switched off. He died on July 7.Senior coroner Lydia Brown opened and suspended an inquest into his death at West London Coroner's Court on Thursday.Mrs 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. Georgie Buxton was carrying out maintenance tests on a Boeing 787 when machinery is believed to have suddenly collapsed on him. A Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 is seen taking off at Heathrow Airport (file image)'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 his life.'He died on July 7, 2026, following the incident that took place on June 11, 2026.'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 8.49am on June 11 to reports that a man had been injured at Heathrow Airport, the Met said on Tuesday.Mr Buxton began working as an aircraft technician at Virgin Atlantic two years ago.In a post on LinkedIn at the time, he shared his excitement for his new job with the airline. He wrote: 'It’s been a pleasure working with all the engineers and mechanics whilst at Ryanair in Stansted and I’ve been able to develop and learn a lot.'Now it’s time to move on so I can develop and learn more on different airframes!!'A source described him as a 'young and very loved member of the team' at Virgin Atlantic. They told The Sun: 'Everyone at Virgin is in shock.'It was not immediately clear what caused the death, and officials have grounded the jet until further notice on safety grounds.'Heavy metal cannot fall from a jet engine and the plane be allowed to continue flying.'The family of the airport worker, who had been living near Heathrow in west London, is believed to have kept a vigil at his bedside after the incident.A Virgin Atlantic spokesman 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.'The spokesman added: 'The safety and wellbeing of our people is always our top priority, and we are devastated by this incident.'We are working closely with relevant authorities and the aircraft manufacturer on the investigation to establish all facts.'Out of respect for those involved and while the investigation is ongoing, we are unable to provide any further information at this stage.'Virgin Atlantic owns 17 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.With each plane carrying up to 264 passengers, they are now some of the company's oldest aircraft – despite having an average age of just around 10 years.