A New York City mother, Melissa Arzu, has initiated legal action against American Airlines, alleging negligence in the death of her 14-year-old son, Kevin Greenidge, during a flight in 2022. Arzu’s lawsuit, filed in federal court in Fort Worth, Texas, where American Airlines is headquartered, contends that the onboard defibrillator failed to function properly, and the flight crew was ill-prepared to handle the medical emergency.
Mom sues American Airlines, alleges crew wasn’t properly trained for medical emergency
The family of a 14-year-old boy who died two years ago on a flight filed a federal lawsuit against American Airlines, alleging that the flight crew wasn’t properly trained to use an onboard… pic.twitter.com/dytDCAIbD0
— “Sudden And Unexpected” (@toobaffled) May 16, 2024
The tragic incident occurred aboard American Airlines flight 614 from Honduras to Miami, where Greenidge suddenly lost consciousness shortly after takeoff. Arzu asserts that the flight crew’s response to her son’s medical crisis was delayed, exacerbating the situation.
According to the lawsuit, although attempts were made to utilize the plane’s automated external defibrillator (AED), either the crew struggled to operate the device effectively or the equipment itself malfunctioned. Arzu further alleges that the crew lacked adequate training in operating the specific type of AED onboard.
As the situation escalated, the flight was diverted for an emergency landing in Cancun, Mexico, where Greenidge was transported to a hospital but was tragically pronounced dead. Reports indicate that Greenidge had a preexisting medical history, including asthma and type 2 diabetes, with his cause of death listed as a myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as a heart attack.
Arzu’s lawsuit contends that had a properly functioning AED been available and utilized promptly, Greenidge’s chances of survival would have significantly improved. Expressing her anguish, Arzu stated her desire for accountability from American Airlines to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In response to inquiries, American Airlines conveyed condolences to the family but refrained from elaborating further due to the ongoing legal proceedings. Meanwhile, Hannah Crowe, Arzu’s legal representative, emphasized the gravity of the situation, alleging negligence on the part of the airline and raising concerns about the whereabouts and condition of the AED post-incident.
“The loss of a child is truly unimaginable, and the facts of this case are horrendous,” the lawyer stated. “Multiple eyewitnesses confirm that American Airlines flight personnel were slow to respond and not able to operate the AED machine, which appeared not to work.”
The lawsuit also highlights American Airlines’ alleged failure to adhere to its policy regarding compensation for the sudden death of a passenger while onboard. Arzu seeks answers and accountability from the airline, underscoring the devastating impact of her son’s untimely death.
