Why did Kyler Efinger's parents sue Salt Lake City?

They filed a lawsuit alleging airport security failures and communication issues led to their son's death inside a plane engine during a mental health episode.

What happened to Kyler Efinger at the Salt Lake City airport?

Kyler Efinger was found unconscious inside a plane engine on January 1, 2024, after reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis and accessing the tarmac.

Did Kyler Efinger have prior mental health issues?

Yes, Kyler Efinger had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder 10 years prior to the incident.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Man Dies Inside Plane Engine After Mental Health Episode

Man Dies Inside Plane Engine After Mental Health Episode

5 Jan

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Summary

Lawsuit alleges airport failures allowed a distressed passenger access to tarmac.
Deceased man, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, experienced a manic episode.
Parents seek to prevent future tragedies and remedy their loss.

Man Dies Inside Plane Engine After Mental Health Episode

The parents of Kyler Efinger have filed a lawsuit against Salt Lake City following their son's death inside a plane engine at the Salt Lake City International Airport on January 1, 2024. Efinger, 30, who had a history of bipolar disorder, was reportedly experiencing a manic episode before he was found unconscious. The lawsuit contends that city personnel were unable to locate him promptly, despite him being seen walking onto the tarmac on a cold night.

According to the suit, communication breakdowns and incorrect location information hampered search efforts, costing crucial time. The family alleges that security failures, including improperly functioning exit doors, allowed Efinger to reach the aircraft. His dreadlocked hair was reportedly caught in the engine's moving blades, leading to fatal blunt head trauma.