Passenger Identified in Turkish Airlines Body Confusion

Satyanarayana Pasupuleti, an 83-year-old Indian man, died from a medical emergency on Turkish Airlines Flight 79 from Istanbul to San Francisco on July 13 while over Greenland. The flight crew initially considered diverting to Iceland but chose Chicago O'Hare for its superior medical and logistical facilities. After landing, Pasupuleti's body was reportedly removed from the plane, but confusion arose when the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office had no record of receiving it. Turkish Airlines stated the remains were transferred to San Francisco, with the San Mateo County Coroner later confirming jurisdiction, resolving the mystery. The lack of clear communication from Turkish Airlines and discrepancies among agencies caused distress for the family and underscored ambiguities in handling in-flight fatalities. The incident draws attention to the need for clearer protocols on international flights.