A terrifying incident unfolded in Belize after a U.S. citizen was fatally shot while hijacking a plane and stabbed multiple people on board. According to police, 49-year-old Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a former high school football coach and U.S. military veteran, boarded a Tropic Air Belize flight on Thursday morning and attempted to take control of the aircraft at knifepoint.
According to PEOPLE, the flight was scheduled to travel from Corozal to San Pedro, but the violent hijacking attempt began before takeoff, around 8:30 a.m. Authorities say Taylor was one of 14 travelers aboard the small plane when he suddenly demanded that the plane be refueled — reportedly so he could escape the country.
Plane Circles Belize Skies For Hours Before Armed Passenger Shoots Hijacker
In a chaotic scene, Taylor allegedly stabbed pilot Howell Grange, as well as passengers Fitzgerald Brown and Jair Castañeda, during the attempted hijacking. Police say the aircraft circled in the sky for hours before landing safely at Ladyville Airport. It was one of the other passengers — a traveler with a legally licensed firearm — who intervened, shooting Taylor mid-flight to prevent further violence.
Thanks to their quick action, the plane was able to land safely, and no one else onboard was killed. The three injured victims were airlifted to a nearby hospital and are expected to recover. “We are grateful… that that did not turn into a mass casualty event,” said U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce in a statement. “Clearly, we know a few details. We don’t know much more.”
Taylor Was a U.S. Veteran and Former Coach — But Belize Had Already Denied His Entry
Authorities say Taylor was previously denied entry into Belize just days before the hijacking. Now, investigators are working to figure out how he was able to board the domestic flight and whether he slipped through border checks.
Before the incident, Taylor was known as a military veteran and former football coach at McCluer North High School in Florissant, Missouri. After being shot by the armed passenger, Taylor was rushed to a nearby hospital but died en route and was pronounced dead upon arrival. Officials say the quick actions of both the flight crew and passengers likely saved lives.