SYRACUSE, NY -- American Airlines CEO Doug Parker identified the captain whose death prompted an emergency landing at the Syracuse airport Monday morning, and he praised the crew that rescued the flight for its "extraordinary" service.

Parker said Michael Johnston, 57, was piloting American Airlines flight 550 when he "fell ill". He's a graduate of Brigham Young University and began his piloting career in January 1990 and has flown 737 and 757 planes, according to Parker's note to employees.

Beyond offering condolences to Johnston's family, Parker lauded the crews on the ground and in the air that prevented a catastrophe for the nearly 150 passengers on board. The flight left Phoenix for Boston early Monday morning.

"I want to take a moment to thank Mike's crewmembers on Flight #550. They took extraordinary care of Mike, each other and our customers," Parker wrote. "We couldn't be more proud of the teamwork this crew showed during an extremely difficult time. Our airport teams in Syracuse and Boston were also instrumental in assisting our customers, and their handling is also greatly appreciated."

The Onondaga Medical Examiner ruled late Monday that Johnston died of "natural causes".

Parker offered condolences to Johnston's wife, Betty Jean, and "to his entire family", saying they had lost a "husband and father". He went on to say that the company's focus is now to take care of the captain's family and to keep them in its thoughts and prayers.