Spirit Airlines Lawsuit Over Passenger’s Tragic Death
Two years ago, a 75-year-old Spirit Airlines passenger with dementia passed away after arriving in Houston and wandering onto a busy highway. This is detailed in a lawsuit that claims the now-defunct airline acted negligently.
Marcos Humberto Bindel Osorio, who was 75, disappeared on June 8, 2024, after landing at George Bush Intercontinental Airport from Honduras. He was later discovered alongside a highway several miles away.
Tragically, he was struck by multiple vehicles, leaving his family devastated. They initiated legal action against Spirit Airlines on April 22, just days before the company declared bankruptcy.
The lawsuit states that Marcos’ family informed the airline of his condition, and Spirit promised to offer assistance, which ultimately never happened, as reported.
After their flight landed around 7 p.m., Marcos’ daughter, Ethel Osorio, and other family members waited at a checkpoint inside the airport for him. Concern arose when he didn’t arrive, prompting them to contact the police.
Customs and Border Protection informed them that Marcos had cleared customs by 7:43 p.m., according to the complaint.
“This family has endured an unimaginable tragedy,” stated Russ Brudner, the family’s attorney. “They relied on the airline to ensure their father’s safety for those final miles home. That trust was shattered in the most horrific way. We’re pursuing this lawsuit because what occurred with Marcos should never happen again, and Spirit Airlines must face accountability.”
Normally, a judge’s automatic suspension wouldn’t implicate Spirit Airlines in liability due to its ongoing liquidation. However, since the Osorio family filed their lawsuit on April 22, if Spirit is found liable, they could become creditors in the bankruptcy proceedings, necessitating that the airline address the lawsuit during the bankruptcy resolution.
The Osorio family seeks compensation for emotional distress, wrongful death, and other associated costs, including burial expenses and losses of companionship.
Attempts to reach Spirit Airlines for comment have been made.
