JetBlue and ABM Aviation were sued after the estate of 69-year-old John Allen Fletcher alleges he suffered a major stroke after JetBlue Flight 321 landed at Palm Beach International on April 22, 2025, and did not receive emergency care for about an hour. The complaint says crew members requested a non-emergency wheelchair instead of calling 911 and that an ABM employee refused the daughter’s plea to summon help. Fletcher was taken to Saint Mary’s Hospital an hour later and died 13 days after the incident; his estate seeks $50,000 and alleges gross negligence.
JetBlue, Ground Handler Sued After Passenger Allegedly Collapsed From Stroke and Didn’t Receive Immediate Care
Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via GettyJetBlue airplane (stock photo)
JetBlue Airways and ground-handling company ABM Aviation are facing a wrongful death lawsuit after the estate of a passenger says he suffered a major stroke upon arrival and did not receive timely emergency care.
What happened: According to a complaint filed Jan. 5 in Palm Beach, Florida, the estate of 69-year-old John Allen Fletcher says he boarded JetBlue Flight 321 from Boston on April 22, 2025, in good health and seated in Premium 2F. The filing alleges Fletcher was struck by a major stroke as the aircraft arrived at Palm Beach International Airport and collapsed back into his seat when he stood up after landing.
Lannis Waters/The Palm Beach Post/ZUMA Press Wire/ShutterstockPalm Beach International Airport
Witnesses reportedly said Fletcher's speech became garbled and he tried to attract the attention of nearby passengers. One passenger alerted the cabin crew, but the lawsuit alleges the crew arranged for a non-emergency wheelchair attendant instead of summoning emergency medical services or calling 911.
As other travelers deplaned, the complaint says Fletcher remained unable to move from the seats in row 2, in full view of JetBlue crew members. The suit further alleges that, while still symptomatic, Fletcher was taken to the baggage claim area in a wheelchair. When his daughter, Diane, found him there and asked an ABM employee to call 911, the complaint says the employee refused and told her, "we're not allowed to do that."
Robert Alexander/Getty JetBlue airplane
About an hour after the flight landed, Fletcher was transported to Saint Mary’s Hospital for emergency treatment. He never recovered and died 13 days later, on May 5, 2025.
Legal claims: Fletcher’s estate filed a wrongful death lawsuit naming JetBlue and ABM Aviation, alleging gross negligence, deliberate indifference and a conscious disregard for his health and safety. The complaint contends the crew ignored clear stroke symptoms and failed to follow appropriate emergency protocols. The estate is seeking $50,000 in damages, exclusive of attorneys’ fees, interest and costs, and demands a jury trial.
Responses: JetBlue provided a brief statement to PEOPLE: "We take the health and safety of our customers and crewmembers very seriously," and declined further comment because the matter is in litigation. PEOPLE said it did not receive an immediate response from ABM Aviation.
Note: These allegations are from the lawsuit and have not been proven in court. The companies deny additional comment while litigation is pending.
Help us improve.
