Flight crew delayed asking for medical help for man in crisis who later died, lawsuit alleges
Share and Follow

A 62-year-old man who suffered an “escalating medical crisis” onboard an American Airlines-affiliated flight died after its crew “delayed requesting medical assistance until after the aircraft had landed, taxied to the gate, and all other passengers had deplaned,” a lawsuit says. 

The filing against American Airlines and its regional carrier Envoy Air in Colorado federal court is seeking at least $75,000 in damages following the death of John Cannon, a passenger from Kentucky who was traveling to Durango-La Plata County Airport. 

“The untimely passing of John William Cannon on April 29, 2023, was the direct and proximate result of the negligence and fault of the Defendants,” reads the lawsuit filed this week on behalf of his son. 

It claims that American Airlines and Envoy Air “breached their duties of care and were negligent in causing the death” of Cannon by “Failing to give reasonable first aid onboard the aircraft” and “Failing to prioritize John William Cannon in the deboarding process once he exhibited signs of extreme physical distress onboard the aircraft,” among other alleged actions. 

American Airlines sign

American Airlines signage is seen at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York in July 2024. The airline told Fox News Digital on Friday that it is “reviewing the complaint.”  (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“Despite Mr. Cannon’s escalating medical crisis, the AAL4896 flight crew delayed requesting medical assistance until after the aircraft had landed, taxied to the gate, and all other passengers had deplaned,” the lawsuit alleged. 

A flight crew member “called emergency services and reported Mr. Cannon as being in and out of consciousness with labored breathing” and “firefighters with Durango La Plata Fire contacted Mr. Cannon and initiated oxygen treatment prior to removing him from the aircraft with members of an EMS team,” it added. 

American Airlines planes

An American Airlines Airbus A321 taxis at Los Angeles International Airport on March 30, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif.   (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

“During transport to Mercy Medical Center, Mr. Cannon suffered sinus bradycardia, which progressed to ventricular fibrillation arrest. The ambulance crew performed approximately ten minutes of chest compressions, administered two doses of epinephrine, and delivered multiple Automated External Defibrillator shocks. Despite these interventions, Mr. Cannon did not achieve Return of Spontaneous Circulation,” the lawsuit concluded. “The following morning, at 0129 hours, Mr. Cannon was pronounced dead.” 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Bryan Kohberger guilty plea supported by victim's family

Bryan Kohberger could be facing time in a well-known prison

() Bryan Kohberger will spend the rest of his life in a…
Kelly Clarkson delays Vegas residency debut, citing vocal strain

Kelly Clarkson postpones start of Las Vegas show due to vocal strain

“I am taking this weekend and next week to rest up so…
Cops detail Caitlyn Jenner's manager's final moments before crash

Caitlyn Jenner’s Manager’s Final Moments Before Crash: Police Report

Sophia Hutchins was involved in a tragic incident where she was speeding…
California fireworks warehouse catches fire and explodes

Human remains discovered at location of explosion at California fireworks warehouse

Human remains have been found at the site of a massive fireworks…
Caitlin Clark loved her Fever coach getting technical foul — and offered to pay the fine

Caitlin Clark Appreciates Her Fever Coach’s Technical Foul and Offers to Cover the Fine

Caitlin Clark supported Fever head coach Stephanie White’s decision to pick up…
How to prepare for a hurricane, as forecasters expect a busy 2025 storm season

Getting ready for a hurricane: Experts predict a hectic storm season in 2025

HOUSTON (AP) — Hurricane season can be stressful for millions of Americans…

Kerr County is fully utilizing all available resources in efforts to recover from a catastrophic and fatal flood.

KERR COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — In a media briefing Friday morning, Kerr…
Former Arsenal soccer player Partey charged with five counts of rape

Former Arsenal Player Thomas Partey Accused of Five Counts of Rape

LONDON — Thomas Partey, who formerly played for English Premier League soccer…