A Turkish Airlines flight traveling from Seattle to Istanbul was forced to land in New York after the pilot fell unconscious during the journey and could not be revived, as reported by the airline on Wednesday.

The flight, designated TK204, departed from Seattle at 7:02 p.m. local time on Tuesday and was en route to Istanbul when it was rerouted to New York approximately eight hours into the flight.

Yahya Üstün, a spokesperson for the airline, shared on social media that the incident involved Captain İlçehin Pehlivan losing consciousness during the flight.

“After initial medical assistance on board was unsuccessful, the cockpit crew, which included one captain and one co-pilot, opted for an emergency landing,” the statement noted, mentioning that the captain passed away before they reached the airport.

The aircraft landed at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York shortly before 6 a.m. on Wednesday, with alternative arrangements made for the passengers at the airport.

Captain Had Been with Turkish Airlines Since 2007

Captain Pehlivan, who was 59 years old, had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007. The airline stated that he had a routine health check on March 8 of this year, which showed no medical issues that would interfere with his ability to perform his duties.

“We at Turkish Airlines are profoundly saddened by the loss of our captain and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and all who knew him,” the airline expressed in its statement.