Parents of disturbed passenger who died after crawling into engine of Delta plane sue Salt Lake City
The tragic death of Kyler Efinger at Salt Lake City International Airport on New Year’s Day in 2024 has sparked a lawsuit filed by his parents, Judd and Lisa Efinger, against the city of Salt Lake. The lawsuit alleges that Kyler’s death could have been prevented if proper measures were taken to address his obvious mental health episode before he crawled into the engine of a Delta plane.
Kyler, a 30-year-old ticketed passenger from Utah, was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder ten years prior to his death. The lawsuit states that Kyler was displaying signs of distress and disorientation before he managed to access the aircraft. Despite his condition being known, Kyler was able to walk unimpeded through two emergency exit doors and onto the tarmac, eventually making his way to the area where airplanes were being deiced before takeoff.
The court documents reveal that Kyler’s behavior became increasingly erratic as he paced back and forth in the airport terminal and acted unusually in a Utah Jazz store. Despite these red flags, airport staff reportedly did not take appropriate action to address Kyler’s mental health crisis. This lack of intervention allowed Kyler to access the aircraft’s engine, where he was tragically killed by blunt head trauma.
The lawsuit accuses Salt Lake City of failing to maintain safe premises and security systems, as well as neglecting to properly notify pilots, ground crew, and air traffic controllers of Kyler’s presence on the tarmac. The city’s alleged negligence in handling the situation has prompted Kyler’s parents to seek damages exceeding $300,000 and a jury trial.
The lawsuit highlights the need for increased awareness and support for individuals experiencing mental health crises in public spaces. It underscores the importance of proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Salt Lake City’s response to the lawsuit and the outcome of the legal proceedings remain to be seen.
