Stuart Pearce issues health update as he reunites with cabin crew member who attended to his worrying heart scare that led to emergency landing on Las Vegas flight

Former England footballer Stuart Pearce recently shared details of a concerning health incident that occurred during a flight from Las Vegas. The 62-year-old experienced a health scare while traveling back from a rugby league event in Vegas, leading to an emergency landing and prompting an emotional reunion with a member of the cabin crew who assisted him.

Stuart Pearce Recounts Health Incident on Las Vegas Flight

Stuart Pearce had a heartfelt reunion with a flight attendant who provided crucial assistance during a recent health emergency. The incident took place earlier this month, on a flight returning from Las Vegas, where Pearce had been attending a rugby league match.

Mid-Air Health Scare and Emergency Landing

On March 2nd, while aboard a Virgin Atlantic flight back to London, Pearce, aged 62, became unwell. He was returning after watching a rugby league game in Las Vegas featuring the Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves. Due to Pearce’s condition, the aircraft conducted an unscheduled landing in Newfoundland to ensure he received prompt medical attention.

Quick Recovery and Public Appearance

Following the incident, the ex-footballer has recovered well and even resumed his media duties, providing commentary for England’s recent victory over Albania. Pearce and his wife, Carol, appeared on ITV’s “This Morning” on Monday to discuss the alarming experience and express their gratitude to the airline staff who helped during the episode.

Emotional Reunion on ITV’s This Morning

Speaking about the event, Pearce explained, “We travelled to Vegas for five days for the rugby, supporting Warrington. On the return journey at the airport, I noticed a tightness and heaviness in my chest. I initially dismissed it as indigestion, but it intensified, feeling like a weight on my chest.”

Pearce clarified that he had no prior history of heart issues, stating, “No previous medical conditions at all. No family history either. I maintain a healthy lifestyle; I don’t drink or smoke.”

He further detailed the in-flight response: “The crew were incredibly helpful, moving us to the front of the plane and connecting me to an ECG machine. My resting heart rate was alarmingly high at 155bpm, something I’d never experienced. They consulted with doctors remotely and administered oxygen.”

Pearce’s Heartfelt Thanks to Cabin Crew Member

In a moving moment on “This Morning,” ITV facilitated a surprise reunion between Pearce and Zoe Anderson, the Virgin Atlantic flight attendant who was instrumental in assisting him. Pearce warmly greeted Anderson, expressing his profound gratitude, while his wife Carol was visibly touched, also thanking the crew member.

Anderson, who has been an Onboard Manager at Virgin Atlantic for nine years, with prior experience at Eastern Airways, shared her perspective on the incident.

Cabin Crew Member Describes Handling the Situation

Zoe Anderson explained, “Our training prepares us for these situations. We undergo rigorous training to effectively manage medical emergencies. When I assessed Stuart, considering chest pain can sometimes be benign, further conversation triggered alarm. We used an ECG monitor, unique to Virgin Atlantic in the UK, to transmit data to doctors on the ground.”

Anderson continued, “My colleague Callum managed the ECG readings, while I communicated with medical professionals on the ground. Upon receiving the abnormal results, we decided against continuing across the Atlantic.”

The aircraft was reportedly at 30,000 feet when the health issue necessitated the diversion.

Reflection on the Ordeal and Flight Details

Pearce concluded, reflecting on the experience: “There were many rugby league supporters on board, who showed great sympathy. I was drifting in and out of consciousness and the next thing I knew, we were landing in Canada. Initially, I had hoped to simply sleep it off.”