TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — EVA Airways President Clay Sun (孫嘉明) held a press conference on Friday afternoon to issue a public apology for the death of a flight attendant earlier this week. 

The airline has drawn criticism following the young woman’s death, also surnamed Sun (孫).  At the press conference, Clay Sun expressed apologies on behalf of Eva Air, and offered condolences to the family of the employee, per UDN.

The 34-year-old flight attendant’s death was reportedly caused by Adult-onset Still’s Disease. However, the Taoyuan Flight Attendant’s Union and others argue that work-related pressures and a stringent sick leave policy were major factors that negatively impacted her health.

She first fell ill on a flight from Italy to Taiwan and sought treatment at a hospital in New Taipei on Sept. 25, before being transferred to China Medical University Hospital. Despite hospitalization, her condition deteriorated rapidly in early October and she passed away on Oct. 10. 

Sun told reporters the company will humbly accept the criticism and guidance it has received following the flight attendant’s passing. The company is conducting a full review of the incident and will implement a review of the mechanisms in place to ensure the mental and physical well-being of EVA Air staff.

Deputy General Manager Hsiao Chin-lung (蕭錦隆) said that following Sun's death the Ministry of Labor and Taoyuan Labor Department conducted inspections of EVA Air’s scheduling policies and employee welfare standards. The company was found to be in compliance, Hsiao said.