Virgin Atlantic engineer, 23, killed after explosion at Heathrow was 'beautiful son'

Virgin Atlantic engineer, 23, killed after explosion at Heathrow was 'beautiful son' Virgin engineer Georgie Buxton died from a traumatic brain injury after an explosion as he worked inside a plane fuel tank A family has paid tribute to their "beautiful son" who died after suffering a traumatic brain injury following an explosion as he worked on a plane fuel tank. Aircraft technician Georgie Buxton, 23, was injured during the incident at Heathrow Airport on 11 June and underwent various surgeries to his head and neck but could not be saved. Georgie had been working for Virgin Atlantic for two years and had previously held the same role with Ryanair. Now his family have revealed their heartbreak in a fundraising appeal. Rachel Buxton said on GoFundMe that Georgie was a "kind, intelligent and caring young man who had so much to look forward to". She said: "He had recently started his career as an Aircraft Technician with Virgin Atlantic, a role he was incredibly proud of and which reflected his passion for engineering and aviation. "He had quickly become a much-loved and highly respected member of his team. Following the accident, the London Air Ambulance team gave Georgie the chance to survive. "Without their rapid response and specialist care, he would not have made it to hospital. Georgie spent the next 27 days in the Intensive Care Unit at St Mary's Hospital. "During that time, the doctors, nurses and ICU team did everything possible to save him. Their skill, dedication and compassion were extraordinary, and they supported not only Georgie but our whole family through the most devastating time of our lives. "Sadly, despite everything they did, Georgie's injuries were too severe and he passed away after 27 days in ICU." Georgie's colleague, who was in another part of the fuel tank and avoided injury, managed to move him from the tank on to the platform stairs they were using. A forensic post-mortem examination carried out at the request of police found that Georgie had suffered a traumatic brain injury – a craniofacial trauma. A criminal investigation has been launched by the Metropolitan Police who are working with the Health and Safety Executive. An inquest into Georgie's death was opened and suspended pending any criminal charges being brought. The family are raising money in Georgie's memory for London Air Ambulance and St Mary's Hospital ICU. They said: "London Air Ambulance is a charity and relies on funding to continue its life-saving work. "St Mary's Hospital is part of our incredible NHS, and the ICU team are fundraising to improve facilities and better support families during the most difficult times. "Georgie filled our lives with love, laughter and immense pride. His life was far too short, but the impact he made on everyone who knew him will last forever. "If you are able to donate, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If you can't, sharing Georgie's story would mean just as much. For Georgie, and for the teams who never stopped fighting for him." At the time of writing, the fundraising page had raised £26,604. You can donate to the fundraiser here.