British Airways flight attendant found dead in hotel room in San Francisco

A flight attendant has been discovered dead in his hotel room.

Concern was raised for Irfan Ali Mirza when the 45-year-old man failed to report for duty on Thursday after staying at the crew hotel in . He had arrived there on a flight from on Tuesday and had a two-day layover before the return journey.

Hotel managers eventually unlocked Irfan's room where they found the father of three dead on the bed. Police said the responding officers' investigation of the scene "did not discover any evidence of foul play" and the body was taken by the medical examiner.

It is believed Mirza, from London, had worked in the industry for more than 20 years. Colleagues and relatives expressed their sadness on social media this week.

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Irfan's brother Kamran Mirza wrote online: "Cannot express how hard it is that Irfan left his parents, us three siblings and his wife and three young children behind. It's totally heartbreaking... It has really shocked me and the rest of the family that Irfan is not with us anymore. Cannot express what we are going through right now.

"We both were born in the same month, June, only four days apart. There were times we celebrated our birthday at the same time. Now that moment will never come again. It's heartbreaking."

The youngest of Mirza's children was a baby born only last year. Mirza's youngest brother, Rizzy Mirza, also thanked his British Airways colleagues for their kind words and stories.

Rizzy added: "I cannot begin to express the sudden loss of my beautiful brother. It really has cut the family deep. Looking at all your lovely messages brings me some peace knowing that my brother was well loved and respected amongst you all."

His younger sister Amber said they had a close bond and she treasured amazing childhood memories they made together. She wrote: "He guided me throughout my whole life and his loss now has deeply affected us all. I know he loved his job and always has great stories to tell when he got back. Seeing all these lovely messages remembering him brings a smile to know he was loved and respected. His memory lives on forever in our hearts."

The BA 284 flight from San Francisco International Airport to London Heathrow due to depart at 4.20pm on Thursday April 17 was cancelled. Passengers were not told why the flight was cancelled, and were given hotel rooms while alternative arrangements were made.

In a statement to , British Airways said: "Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of our colleague at this difficult time."