An American Airlines co-pilot died during landing, and this is scary

American Airlines issued a statement yesterday explaining a tragic medical mystery that happened in the cockpit. On Wednesday, an American Airlines co-pilot died upon landing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The first officer was identified as William “Mike” Grubbs. According to CNN, the captain of American Airlines Flight 1353, flying from Dallas-Fort Worth to Albuquerque, declared a “medical emergency” only two miles away from their destination.

Dan Jiron, a spokesperson for Albuquerque International Sunport, reported, “They landed without incident, taxied to the gate and were met by medical personnel.”

CPR was performed on Grubbs for about 35 — 40 minutes before paramedics declared the first officer dead.

Getty Images / RHONA WISE

An American Airlines spokeswoman, Polly Tracey, released a statement stating, “American Airlines is deeply saddened by the death of first officer William “Mike” Grubbs. We’re taking care of first officer Grubbs family and colleagues and our thoughts and prayers are with them them during this time.”

According to CNN, the Federal Aviation Administration is planning to follow up with American to learn more about what happened on Wednesday. As of right now, no cause of death has been released.

Getty Images / Spencer Platt

Luckily for the passengers and crew aboard the American Airlines Boeing 737 flight, a safe landing was achieved by the able-bodied captain. CNN reports that Boeing 737 planes can be safely landed by a single crew member, although that circumstance is not ideal.

Our thoughts and prayers are with First Officer Grubbs’ family and friends at this time. As the week goes on, we’ll hopefully learn more about what happened in the cockpit on Wednesday and what could have caused this tragic incident.