United Airlines speaks out following death of prized rabbit after flight

United Airlines spoke out to address the sudden death of a 10-month-old continental giant rabbit following a flight from London's Heathrow Airport to Chicago's O'Hare.

Although previous reports stated the rabbit, Simon, died in the flight's cargo, United spokesman Charles Hobart claims that the animal was alive and well upon landing.

He suggested that Simon, who was on pace to become the world's biggest rabbit, actually died at a pet holding facility at the airport.

"We won't know the cause of death because we offered to perform a necropsy free of charge — that's standard procedure — but the customer didn't want us to perform a necropsy, and we understand," said Hobart.

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Hobart also said the airline offered monetary compensation to Simon's breeder, Annette Edwards, but would not disclose the amount.

Edwards says that both she and Simon's buyer, who is allegedly a high-profile celebrity, are extremely upset and confused by the incident.

"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."

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