Delta Air Lines apologized after Latavia Sturdivant, Ms. Wheelchair America 2026, said her customized motorized wheelchair was severely damaged during a flight from South Dakota to New York. Sturdivant described extensive mechanical and structural damage that left her largely housebound and disrupted her advocacy work. Delta says it will pay for repairs in full, offered loaner devices that did not meet her needs, and is investigating the incident while awaiting a vendor assessment.
Delta Apologizes After Ms. Wheelchair America Says Airline Severely Damaged Her Motorized Chair
Latavia SturdivantCBS New York/YouTube
Delta Air Lines has apologized after Latavia Sturdivant, Ms. Wheelchair America 2026, reported that her customized motorized wheelchair was seriously damaged during a recent flight from South Dakota to New York.
What Happened
Sturdivant, who travels nationally for advocacy work, said she discovered extensive damage to the chair upon arrival. Local outlets including CBS New York, ABC 7 and News 12 reported that she found the joystick detached, the back panel open and held by only two screws, bent foot plates and a lateral support cracked in half. She said replacement parts and qualified vendors are limited, leaving her mobility and work on hold.
Patient Impact
Sturdivant told reporters the chair is specially configured to maintain her body alignment and prevent painful contractions, and that without it she is largely housebound. "There is no other chair that I can use because it keeps my body in proper alignment, prevents me from having contractions," she told ABC 7. She described the situation as "devastating."
Delta planeJoan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty
"The joystick is completely off. The back of the chair was open... The foot plates were bent and this lateral over here is cracked in half," Sturdivant said to News 12.
Delta's Response
In a statement to PEOPLE, a Delta spokesperson said the airline "understands the fundamental impact that any damaged mobility aid has on an individual and their daily life. We sincerely apologize for this customer's experience that did not live up to our standards, and we are in touch with them to ensure we make things right." Delta confirmed it will pay for the repairs in full and said it is working with airport teams to better understand how the damage occurred.
The airline also said it offered loaner devices, which Sturdivant declined because they would not meet her specialized needs. Sturdivant reported filing a damage claim; she also said an airline employee allegedly suggested a family member could push the chair temporarily, but her mother rejected that option because the chair weighs roughly 300–400 pounds and could not be safely pushed.
Next Steps
Delta is awaiting an assessment from Sturdivant's preferred vendor to determine the full extent of the damage and next steps for repairs. PEOPLE reached out to Sturdivant for additional comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Why This Matters: The incident highlights ongoing concerns among disability advocates about how airlines handle specialized mobility equipment and the real-world consequences when those devices are damaged in transit.
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