Dubai: An Air India pilot was found dead in a health club of a hotel in the Saudi capital Riyadh, Indian and Saudi reports said.
Mumbai-based Air India first officer Capt. Rithwik Tiwari was found lying sideways in a small toilet room located in Meydan Riyadh health club in the Holiday Inn, Times of India said, citing sources it did not identify.
The state-run pilot was in his 30s, according to the daily, but other reports said he was 27.
“The police were called in when there was no response from the locked toilet room. The door was opened by police. The medical team called to the health club declared him dead,” the source said.
The commander of the flight Capt. Renu Maulay identified the first officer.
“Air India Riyadh manager broke the news to the first officer’s father. The Indian embassy in Riyadh was also informed about the death,” the source said.
NDTV, citing crew sources, said that Tiwari died reportedly of a heart attack while working out in the hotel gym.
The pilot’s death was confirmed by Indian embassy officials.
“He had collapsed in the wash room of the hotel gym this morning [Wednesday]. He was then taken to a hospital, where the doctors declared him dead,” Counsellor (Community Welfare) Anil Nautiyal told PTI over the phone.
“We are in touch with the family but there are a lot of formalities that need to be completed before the mortal remains could be sent back to India,” he was quoted as saying.
