Duke University Professor Dies Midair During Medical Crisis - Passengers Successfully Make Emergency Landing

Tragedy struck on Sunday when a Duke University professor, Joseph Izatt, suffered a midair medical crisis while piloting an airplane in North Carolina. According to reports from WRAL, a passenger on board was able to take control of the single-engine plane, skillfully maneuvering it to make an emergency landing at Raleigh Durham International Airport.

The exact cause of the pilot's medical emergency remains unclear. Joseph Izatt, a renowned professor at Duke University, had been a cherished member of the institution since 2001. Throughout his distinguished career, he authored over 200 papers and led Duke's Department of Biomedical Engineering as the chair.

In response to the devastating news, Duke University lowered its flags and released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of Izatt. "He was an exceptionally thoughtful leader who weighed every decision with a care that originated with his deep love for the BME community," expressed school Dean Jerome Lynch. "The integrity and humility he brought as a school leader will be missed."

Focusing his research efforts on incorporating noninvasive technologies into diagnosing eye conditions and determining suitable treatment options, Izatt was highly regarded by the Duke community. Colleague and fellow professor Hafeez Dhalla described him as a skilled researcher who had built an incredibly tight-knit community of accomplished scientists. "Beyond all of the sort of technical accolades, what stands out for Joe is the community that he built," Dhalla remarked. "Just an incredibly tight-knit community of accomplished scientists who hold him in very high esteem."

The shocking loss of Joseph Izatt has left a void in the Duke University community and the field of biomedical engineering. His dedication to research, leadership, and the tight-knit community he fostered will be deeply missed. As investigations continue, the Duke community joins together in mourning the tragic passing of an esteemed professor.

(Note: This article is written based on the provided information and does not include any additional entities, numbers, or dates.)