A passenger with dementia traveling on Spirit Airlines tragically died after landing in Houston and accidentally wandering onto a highway two years ago. This incident has led to a significant lawsuit accusing the now-defunct airline of negligence.
Marcos Humberto Vindel Osorio, aged 75, disappeared on June 8, 2024, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport following his arrival from Honduras. His body was later discovered several miles away from the airport, on the side of a freeway.
Osorio was struck by multiple vehicles, resulting in immense sorrow for his family. They initiated a lawsuit against Spirit Airlines on April 22, just before the airline declared bankruptcy.
The Osorio family contends in their lawsuit that Spirit Airlines was notified about Marcos’ dementia and had assured them that help would be provided, yet reportedly failed to offer such assistance, as detailed by the Independent.
Marcos’ daughter, Yisell Osorio, along with other family members, awaited his arrival at a checkpoint inside the airport after the flight landed at 7 p.m.
Concern arose when Marcos did not appear, prompting them to contact the police. Customs and Border Patrol later informed them that Marcos had cleared customs by 7:43 p.m., according to the lawsuit.
“This family has gone through an unimaginable loss,” stated Russ Brudner, the family’s attorney, in a conversation with the Independent.
“They relied on the airline to ensure their father’s safe return for the final leg of his journey home. That trust was shattered in the most tragic way possible. We filed this lawsuit because what happened to Marcos should never happen to anyone else, and Spirit Airlines must be held responsible.”
Typically, an automatic stay issued by a judge would protect Spirit Airlines from liability during their liquidation process.
However, since the Osorio family’s lawsuit was filed on April 22, they are considered creditors in the bankruptcy proceedings. If Spirit is found liable, they must address the lawsuit as part of these proceedings.
The Osorio family is seeking compensatory damages, survival damages, and wrongful death damages, along with interest, to cover mental anguish, loss of companionship, and burial and funeral expenses, according to the Independent.
The Post has contacted Spirit Airlines for a response.
