The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has announced a shocking development regarding a horrifying incident that occurred at San Antonio International Airport last Friday, where an aviation ground worker was «ingested» into an airplane engine. The worker, 27-year-old David Renner, died from blunt and sharp force injuries, and his death has been officially categorized as a suicide, according to a report from CNN.
The gruesome incident unfolded around 10:25 p.m., as Delta Flight 1111, which had just landed from Los Angeles, was taxiing to its assigned gate using one engine. Renner was tragically pulled into the operating engine, a report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) detailed.
The ongoing investigation into this disturbing incident is being handled by the NTSB, who are currently gathering further information. San Antonio International Airport authorities are actively collaborating with the NTSB in their investigation.
Erin Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the airport, stated in a public release: «We are deeply saddened by this incident, resulting in the fatality of an airline ground crew member on Friday night. We are closely working with authorities as they continue their investigation.»
Renner was an employee of Unifi Aviation, a company providing various aviation services at San Antonio International Airport. The company conveyed their condolences to Renner’s family in a statement to CNN and emphasized their commitment to supporting their ground crew during this challenging time.
Delta Air Lines also expressed profound grief over Renner’s death, stating to CNN: «We are heartbroken over the loss of a member of our aviation family in San Antonio. Our hearts and full support are with their family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.»
This tragic incident at San Antonio International Airport echoes a similarly devastating occurrence that took place on New Year’s Eve the previous year at Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama, where another ground worker met the same unfortunate fate, as reported by the NTSB.
This recent classification of Renner’s death as a suicide adds a new, tragic layer to the story. The need for comprehensive safety measures and mental health support for airport ground staff has never been more evident.
