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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Medical Examiner identifies teen who died on flight

From staff reports
The teenage boy aboard a flight from Seattle to Atlanta that was diverted to Spokane on Saturday died of a rare disease, the Spokane County Medical Examiner said. Zachary Bisiar, 16, was on his way to spend Christmas vacation in Georgia, according to Spokane Fire Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer. It was Bisiar’s first time flying after being cleared for the trip, and his heart stopped beating shortly after 10 a.m., Schaeffer said. Officials are looking more closely into what killed the boy, but the Medical Examiner ruled the manner of death natural Monday. The crew unsuccessfully attempted CPR on Bisiar, according to Schaeffer. The flight, which carried 258 passengers, continued to Atlanta later Saturday.