The estate of John Allen Fletcher has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against JetBlue Airways and ABM Aviation following his death after a flight to Palm Beach International Airport (PBI). The lawsuit alleges that cabin crew failed to recognize stroke symptoms immediately after landing, allowing a serious medical condition to escalate without timely intervention.
According to the legal filing, Fletcher’s family claims that, upon arrival at PBI, the cabin crew ignored clear indications of his distress. They assert that he was left in a wheelchair in the baggage area, unattended for an hour before medical personnel arrived. The family’s complaint highlights that when Fletcher’s daughter arrived at the airport, she found him slumped in a wheelchair, visibly in need of urgent medical attention. An ABM employee reportedly refused her request to call emergency services, stating, “we’re not allowed to do that,” as reported by Boca News Now.
The lawsuit outlines the timeline of events leading to Fletcher’s death on May 5, 2025. He was travelling on Flight 321 from Boston, Massachusetts, on April 22, 2025, and was in good health prior to the flight. The family asserts that after the plane landed, Fletcher suffered a massive stroke when he attempted to stand. Witnesses noted that he exhibited signs of distress, including garbled speech, and that another passenger alerted the cabin crew to his condition.
JetBlue and ABM are accused of neglecting established stroke recognition protocols, which the family claims contributed to the irreversible nature of Fletcher’s medical emergency. The lawsuit alleges that, instead of providing immediate assistance, crew members waited until all other passengers had deplaned before calling for non-emergency wheelchair assistance to remove Fletcher from the aircraft.
Allegations of Negligence and Delayed Medical Response
The family’s legal argument hinges on the notion that both the airline and the airport staff acted with negligence. Under U.S. law, commercial airlines have a legal obligation to provide “reasonable medical assistance” during emergencies. While flight attendants are not required to be medical professionals, they must be trained to respond to health crises. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that cabin crew receive training in first aid, CPR, and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
Failing to follow standard operating procedures, particularly in the face of clear medical emergencies, can be grounds for negligence claims. According to the law office of Morrow, Morrow, Ryan, Bassett & Haik, ignoring a passenger’s need for assistance is considered negligent behavior, which may expose the airline to liability.
The family contends that Fletcher, seated in a premium section, was more visible to the crew compared to other passengers, yet their inaction suggests a disregard for his health. They argue that the airline treated him as an “inconvenient obstacle” rather than a person in urgent need of medical care.
Impact of the Incident on the Family
Fletcher’s family has expressed deep sorrow over the circumstances surrounding his death. After spending 13 days at St. Mary’s Hospital, Fletcher succumbed to the severe impacts of the stroke. His daughter’s account highlights the emotional toll of witnessing her father’s condition deteriorate while being ignored by those who were responsible for his safety during the flight.
This lawsuit raises critical questions about the responsibilities airlines hold in safeguarding passenger health. As the case progresses, it will likely focus on the adequacy of training provided to cabin crew and the legal implications of their responses during medical emergencies.
The outcome of this case could have broader implications for airline protocols and the legal standards that govern the duty of care owed to passengers in distress. As the family seeks justice for their loss, the industry will be closely watching how this situation unfolds.
