The poor old guy apparently expired in his wheelchair right there in the airport. The ladies (wife and daughter?) probably thought they could avoid hassle, extra expense, etc., if they could just get him on the plane and heading home before "discovering" that he had just passed.

Too bad somebody snitched on them. I would have kept my mouth shut and let them deal with their grief, and make all the arragements, etc., back in their home country and hometown.

Anyone see "Little Miss Sunshine"? Pretty similar subplot...