A lawsuit has been filed by a mom, Melissa Arzu, against American Airlines over the death of her 14-year-old son, Kevin Greenidge, on June 4, 2022. Kevin experienced a medical emergency while on Flight 614 from Honduras to New York and later died. The mother alleges negligence and inadequate flight crew training on the part of the airline.
The lawsuit was originally filed in New York in 2023 but was relocated to Texas on May 13, 2024, at the request of American Airlines. Upon the latest filing, it was revealed that Kevin lost consciousness during the flight. His family’s immediate calls for help were allegedly met with a delayed response from the crew, who struggled to operate the onboard automated external defibrillator (AED). As per the eyewitness accounts mentioned in the complaint, the AED repeatedly indicated a need for a shock to be administered, but no shock was delivered, and the device continued to recommend CPR.
The aircraft made an emergency landing in Cancun, Mexico, where Kevin was rushed to a local hospital and was pronounced dead. Arzu maintains that her son’s death resulted from the flight crew’s slow and ineffective response and their failure to operate the AED.
Arzu expressed her deep frustration and grief in a statement, saying, “It left me feeling hopeless. I demand answers from American Airlines. They need to take full responsibility for Kevin’s death. I don’t want any other child or family to go through this.”
According to the lawsuit, American Airlines is accused of failing to adequately train its staff for in-flight medical emergencies. The complaint also alleges that the emergency medical kit on the plane was not marked and was insufficient. Furthermore, the airline reportedly did not allow the family’s legal team to inspect the AED machine, which seems to have been either destroyed or misplaced.
The complaint argues that if the airplane had been equipped with functional medical devices and the crew properly trained, Kevin’s chance of survival could have been much higher. The family is now seeking justice and wants to prevent other families from experiencing a similar tragedy.
In response to the incident, American Airlines offered a statement expressing condolences to the Greenidge family but declined to comment further due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Hannah Crowe, the attorney representing Arzu, stressed the severity of the case, stating, “The loss of a child is unimaginable, and the details of this case are appalling.”
Kevin Greenidge was on his way home from a summer vacation in Honduras when the incident occurred. His death has sparked a significant legal dispute, raising questions about the readiness of flight crews to handle medical emergencies.
Increased scrutiny has been placed on the aviation industry regarding the adequacy of in-flight medical equipment and flight personnel training. Since 2004, airlines have been required by regulations to have AEDs on board, which should be properly maintained and labeled.
This lawsuit underscores the essential need for thorough training and regular equipment checks to manage in-flight medical emergencies. The case’s outcome could potentially lead to modifications in airline policies and training programs to improve passenger safety.
