AKIPRESS.COM - An American Airlines pilot who died on a flight from Phoenix to Boston on Monday has been identified, the U.S. media report Tuesday.

Phoenix-based Capt. Michael Johnston fell ill while piloting Flight 550 and died, American Airlines said. He was 57.

After Johnston died, the plane was diverted and made an emergency landing in Syracuse.

There were 147 passengers and a crew of five on board American Flight 550.

"We are incredibly saddened by this event, and we are focused on caring for our pilot's family and colleagues," the airline statement said.

Another crew was sent to Syracuse to fly the plane to Boston.