The family of John William Cannon, a 62-year-old man who died during an American Airlines flight, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit accusing the airline’s crew of delaying medical assistance during a critical emergency.
According to the lawsuit filed by Cannon’s son, Kyle Cannon, the crew failed to act swiftly during an “escalating medical crisis,” and their delay in seeking help ultimately contributed to his father’s death.
American Airlines has responded, stating they are currently “reviewing the complaint.”
The ordeal began on April 28, 2023, when Cannon boarded Flight 1444 from Louisville International Airport to Dallas, en route to Colorado to attend a celebration of life for his late partner. After landing in Dallas, Cannon reportedly experienced a syncopal event a temporary loss of consciousness, while deplaning.
He was helped to the jet bridge’s floor but was cleared to continue onto his connecting flight, AAL4896, operated by Envoy Air.
Despite showing concerning signs of medical distress, the lawsuit alleges that American Airlines staff transferred Cannon to his next flight without providing proper medical evaluation.
During the second flight, Cannon’s condition worsened. He became unresponsive mid-flight, yet the lawsuit claims that the crew delayed requesting emergency assistance. They reportedly waited until the aircraft landed, reached the gate, and all other passengers had exited before seeking help.
Firefighters from Durango La Plata responded to the emergency call and administered oxygen to Cannon. Sadly, his condition continued to deteriorate, and he suffered cardiac arrest en route to Mercy Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead in the early hours of April 29, 2023.
Kyle Cannon and his legal team assert that American Airlines’ failure to intervene swiftly was a direct factor in John Cannon’s death.
In a statement to PEOPLE, attorneys Joseph LoRusso and Jessica McBryant said:
“The circumstances of this case represent a tangible manifestation of a corporate culture at American Airlines that prioritizes inaction over intervention. This ingrained culture, to which John Cannon tragically fell victim, underscores a systemic issue the family is determined to address — both in seeking justice for John and advocating for broader organizational change.”
The family is seeking damages exceeding $75,000, covering suffering, medical expenses, lost income, and legal fees.
This case is shining a spotlight on how airlines handle in-flight medical emergencies — and whether current industry protocols are enough to protect passengers experiencing critical health events.
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