Jane Onyanga-Omara

USA TODAY

LONDON — A giant rabbit died in unexplained circumstances on a United Airlines flight from Britain to Chicago in the latest unfortunate incident to hit the beleaguered airline, British media reported Wednesday.

Simon, a 3-foot, 10-month-old Continental Giant rabbit, was found dead after the Boeing 767 landed at Chicago O’Hare International Airport following its departure from London Heathrow, the Sun newspaper reported.

Rabbit breeder Annette Edwards told the newspaper that the rabbit, which was likely to grow to be the biggest in the world after its father Darius held the title of the world’s biggest rabbit at 4ft 4in long, was being transported to its new celebrity owner. It wasn't immediately clear when the incident occurred and what caused the animal's death.

“Simon had a vet’s check-up three hours before the flight and was fit as a fiddle,” Edwards told the Sun. “Something very strange has happened and I want to know what. I’ve sent rabbits all around the world and nothing like this has happened before. The client who bought Simon is very famous. He’s upset.”

In a statement, United said: “We were saddened to hear this news. The safety and wellbeing of all the animals that travel with us is of the utmost importance to United Airlines and our PetSafe team. We have been in contact with our customer and have offered assistance. We are reviewing this matter."

United was widely condemned after passenger David Dao, 69, was filmed earlier this month being violently dragged off a United flight at Chicago O’Hare International Airport by police to make room for a United crew member.

Dao’s lawyer said he suffered a concussion and lost two teeth in the incident on April 9.

United has apologized, refunded fares to passengers on the flight and said the airline will no longer ask police to remove passengers.

Newly-released police reports this week said Dao, from Kentucky, was flailing his arms and verbally abusive toward officers before he lost his balance and struck his face on an armrest. The three police officers who removed Dao were suspended.

That incident came weeks after United was criticized for preventing two girls from boarding a flight from Denver to Minneapolis because they were wearing leggings. United said the girls were guest-pass riders — given to employees and their relatives — and that paying customers are welcome to fly in yoga pants or leggings.

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