RIYADH – An Air India pilot was found dead in a health club of a hotel inthe Saudi capital Riyadh, Indian and Saudi reports said.
Mumbai-based Air India first officer Capt. Rithwik Tiwari was found lyingsideways in a small toilet room located in Meydan Riyadh health club in theHoliday Inn, Times of India said, citing sources it did not identify.
The state-run pilot was in his 30s, according to the daily, but otherreports said he was 27.
“The police were called in when there was no response from the lockedtoilet room. The door was opened by police. The medical team called to thehealth 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. TheIndian embassy in Riyadh was also informed about the death,” the sourcesaid.
NDTV, citing crew sources, said that Tiwari died reportedly of a heartattack 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 declaredhim dead,” Counsellor (Community Welfare) Anil Nautiyal told PTI over thephone.
“We are in touch with the family but there are a lot of formalities thatneed to be completed before the mortal remains could be sent back toIndia,” he was quoted as saying.