A passenger died after experiencing a “medical issue” while traveling on a United Airlines flight from Houston to Boston late Tuesday night, officials said.
United flight 1888 was diverted to Dulles International Airport at about 11:49 p.m. Tuesday because of a “passenger medical issue,” according to an e-mail from Christina Saull, a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which oversees Washington Dulles International Airport.
“The aircraft was met on the runway by Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority medics and one passenger was found deceased,” according to Saull.
The passengers were placed on another aircraft and continued onto Boston at approximately 3:09 a.m. Wednesday, she said.
The FBI will take the lead in the investigation, as they handle all in-flight incidents, Saull said.
During the flight, the crew responded to a medical emergency on board and used all available equipment, including an AED defibrillator, to help the passenger, according to Jonathan Guerin, a United Airlines spokesman.
Other passengers on the flight also provided medical assistance, he said.
“We are saddened to learn that the passenger passed away. We extend our sincere condolences to the family,” Guerin said.
John Hilliard can be reached john.hilliard@globe.com