UPDATE: Passengers On United Airlines Flight Where Man Died Of COVID-19 Threaten Lawsuit
Passengers aboard a United Airlines flight to Los Angles from Orlando are threatening a lawsuit after a man had a heart attack and died of COVID-19. The incident aboard led to an emergency diversion to New Orleans.
On Tuesday (Dec. 22), Jefferson Parish, Louisiana coroners confirmed that 69-year-old LA resident, Isaias Hernandez, died from “acute respiratory failure” after falling ill to COVID-19 on the flight last Monday. As the man fell ill, two passengers, a nurse and an EMT, performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation before Hernandez eventually passed.
RELATED: Passenger Dies On United Airlines Flight After Claiming They Didn’t Have COVID Symptoms
Witnesses say the man’s wife admitted to him experiencing “COVID-like” symptoms ahead of his death, but none of the passengers were warned that someone with the virus or experiencing its symptoms was on the flight. Following the incident, many customers say they too are now experiencing health issues.
One passenger, Francois Montinat, says he’s suffering from strong nasal and head congestion. He’s most nervous and stressed because he had COVID in May and these were two of his many symptoms. Meanwhile, he can’t get an appointment for a test and slams United’s deficient safety protocol, leaving him to think about seeking legal action for emotional distress.
Other passengers are seeking help with medical expenses on top of distress themselves.
RELATED: United Airlines Won’t Notify Passengers Of Other COVID-Positive Passengers In Flight