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A woman was found dead in her seat on a flight to Heathrow after dozing off on her mum's shoulder, an inquest heard. US lawyer Rachel Green had been en route from Minneapolis to London to research a new book.

The 44-year-old had fallen asleep on her mother's shoulder during the seven-and-a-half-hour flight, but later could not be roused by the cabin crew. The inquest heard that Ms Green, an attorney and writer from East Bethel in Minnesota, had multiple prescription medications in her system. She was also discovered to have an undiagnosed heart condition, which, combined with the medication in her system, was thought to have caused her death. Paying tribute, Ms Green's sister Roxanne Carney described her as "a saint" and "the best aunt in the world" to her son, Jack. Mrs Carney, who lives in California on the US West Coast, said her sister was an attorney who also worked in insurance and had a deep love of history.

"On April 30, 2025, we lost an angel on earth and gained one in heaven," she said.

"My beloved sister and friend to so many, Rachel S. Green, passed away peacefully in her sleep as she was flying from Minneapolis to London for a much-anticipated trip to the UK.

"Rachel had spent the past couple of years recovering from an unexpected illness, relearning to walk, and having to relocate back to her hometown in Minnesota to recuperate.

"She exuded unyielding strength and courage at even the most difficult times. My sister was the absolutely most incredible and selfless person in this world.

"Rachel was a true saint. She gave to everyone and found true joy in helping others. If we could all be more like Rachel, the world would be a better place."

Delivering a verdict of misadventure, Senior Coroner Lydia Brown said: "This lady simply died whilst on a flight. She was coming to our country to do some research, staying for some time with her mother.

"Instead, she did not even get off the plane without her mother and sister being bereaved. Poor Rachel never did [finish] that book. I wish it were different; it is not."

Passengers on board the Delta flight from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport to London Heathrow on April 30 last year recalled the "awful" moment a tannoy went out asking if any doctors were on board.

Pathologist Dr Alan Bates told the inquest that Ms Green's heart was "normal", apart from one coronary artery being affected by myocardial tunnelling - a condition where an artery runs under the heart muscle instead of on its surface.

Dr Bates told the inquest that a number of substances were found in Ms Green's blood, including several anti-depressants, melatonin, cannabinoids and a low concentration of alcohol. It was also heard that she had a history of health problems and had received psychiatric treatment.

Mrs Carney, who works in the psychiatric field, raised concerns at the inquest about the number of prescription drugs her sister was on, adding that she had previously had an "abnormal" heart test, which was not followed up.

"I wonder why she was never referred to a cardiologist before being prescribed this combination," she said. "Why was she on this regimen? Why are they prescribing this combination of medications? If you can see all the records, ethically, how can you do this?"

Coroner Ms Brown replied: "It is reviewed here. Unfortunately, the entirety of your population doesn't seem to have that. I am not here to criticise another system - especially not in these dangerous times.

"[It is] unusual to find so many different [drugs]. Matters are done very differently in the US. There is no evidence that Rachel had any opportunity to be resuscitated. Her death appears to have been instantaneous.

"Rachel was travelling on a flight from the USA to Heathrow Airport when she was found to be unresponsive in her seat. Professional resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.

"Rachel had taken a range of complex medications, but there was no evidence she was taking any in excess. She also had a congenital heart condition. This contributed to her death, along with the medications."

Ms Brown added that there was 'no evidence' Ms Green had been using any drugs recreationally.

Mrs Carney said her sister had been on her way to the UK to research a historical fiction book she was halfway through writing about Eleanor of Aquitaine, who was Queen of France and later Queen of England.

"Rachel was secretly a brilliant writer," Mrs Carney said. "She was finally writing again and on her way to London to further research her historical fiction on Eleanor of Aquitaine.

"She fell asleep peacefully on her flight on her mother's shoulder and, for reasons forever unknown, never woke up. We are at the greatest loss as we piece together a life without her physically present, but forever with us.

"Rachel was beyond selfless, always taking care of everyone around her and trying to guide people to the goodness in life, be it travelling, enjoying a play, or a gathering.

"During her time back in Minnesota, she revisited her love of theatre with the Lakeshore Players Theatre. It gave her great joy to be involved in something she loved."

Mrs Carney hopes to complete her sister's book and has launched a fundraiser for Lakeshore Players Theatre in Minnesota, along with raising money for her memorial at Golders Green Crematorium in London.