The estate of John Allen Fletcher has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against JetBlue Airways and ABM Aviation following his death after a flight from Boston to Palm Beach International Airport. The lawsuit alleges that cabin crew and airport staff ignored critical signs of a stroke, which ultimately led to his demise.
According to the legal filing, Fletcher was in good health when he boarded Flight 321 on April 22, 2025. He occupied seat 2F in the premium section, which the family argues made him more visible to the cabin crew. After landing, Fletcher suffered a major stroke almost immediately upon standing and displayed garbled speech while trying to attract attention from fellow passengers. One passenger noticed his distress and alerted the crew, yet no immediate action was taken.
The lawsuit claims that Fletcher was left in a wheelchair in the baggage area, where he remained until discovered by his family. It states that an ABM employee refused a request to call emergency services, asserting, “we’re not allowed to do that.” The family contends that both JetBlue and ABM Aviation failed to adhere to established stroke recognition protocols, which should have prompted immediate medical assistance.
Fletcher’s daughter arrived at Palm Beach International Airport to find her father slumped over in distress. According to the court documents, medical personnel did not arrive to provide assistance until more than an hour after the aircraft landed. Following this delay, Fletcher was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital, where he spent 13 days before succumbing to the effects of the stroke on May 5, 2025.
Lawsuit Claims Negligence in Emergency Response
The lawsuit highlights the legal obligation of commercial airlines to deliver reasonable medical assistance to their passengers. While crew members are not required to be medical professionals, they must demonstrate due care to ensure the safety of all aboard. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that cabin crew undergo training in first aid, CPR, and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
Failure to follow standard procedures or to recognize a clear need for medical assistance can potentially lead to claims of negligence. According to legal experts at the law office of Morrow, Morrow, Ryan, Bassett & Haik, ignoring a pronounced need for help constitutes a failure in duty.
The family’s legal filing emphasizes that Fletcher’s condition should have been apparent to the cabin crew. It states, “As all the other passengers deplaned, Mr. Fletcher was physically unable to rise and remove himself from the aircraft and remained sprawled across the seats… in full view of JetBlue’s crew.” This raises questions about the accountability of the airline and airport staff in handling medical emergencies.
Implications for Airline Safety Procedures
The tragic circumstances surrounding Fletcher’s death underscore critical concerns about airline safety protocols and emergency response measures. While airlines generally have protections against liability for incidents occurring during medical emergencies, they remain responsible for ensuring that crew members act appropriately in such situations.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for how airlines approach medical emergencies in the future. If found negligent, JetBlue and ABM Aviation may face not only financial repercussions but also increased scrutiny regarding their emergency response training and procedures.
As the case unfolds, it highlights the necessity for airlines to prioritize passenger health and safety, particularly during critical situations. The pursuit of accountability in this matter reflects the broader need for transparency and responsibility within the aviation industry.
