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Giant rabbit dies aboard United Airlines flight

A giant rabbit that died on board a United Airlines flight has caused an uproar online. It was on track to become the world’s largest rabbit. Photo from CP
A giant rabbit that died on board a United Airlines flight has caused an uproar online. It was on track to become the world’s largest rabbit. Photo from CP

United Airlines is under fire yet again, this time because of a giant rabbit that died aboard one of its flights.

“Simon” was a metre long and on track to become the world’s largest rabbit, according to handler Annette Edwards.

The British breeder told the Associated Press that Simon was checked by a veterinarian and found to be in fine health before being loaded onto a United flight from London to Chicago.

The BBC reports that Simon was discovered dead in the cargo hold upon arrival at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

According to Edwards, the rabbit had been sold to a celebrity, though she declined to say who.

“Simon had his vet check just before getting on the plane,” Edwards told AP. “He was fit as a fiddle.”

The airline responded with a statement, saying it was “saddened by the news” and would remain in contact with Edwards. The cause of the rabbit’s death is not known.

United Airlines has been in the midst of a public relations crisis ever since Dr. David Dao was violently dragged from a plane after refusing to give up his seat.

Since then, many other negative United Airlines passenger experiences have been thrown back in the spotlight, including the barring of two girls from a flight in March because they were wearing leggings.

Edwards is determined to find answers about Simon’s death.

“Something very strange has happened and I want to know what,” Edwards told The Sun. “I’ve sent rabbits all around the world and nothing like this has happened before.”