The family of Hunter Adkins, a 24-year-old man with special needs, is pursuing legal action against Allegiant Air, following a tragic incident that resulted in his death. The lawsuit, lodged in Las Vegas, contends that Hunter fell from a wheelchair while being assisted onto an Allegiant flight, which ultimately contributed to his fatal injuries.
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According to court documents obtained by media sources, Hunter Adkins, who lived with muscular dystrophy and relied on a wheelchair, was set to board a flight on 28 March 2024 at Huntington Tri-State Airport in West Virginia. The complaint indicates that the boarding process was rushed, allegedly due to pressures on the flight crew to expedite take-off. Hunter was at the airport with his father, Tony, and his nine-year-old brother, Kaden, when the events unfolded.
The lawsuit claims that the airport staff responsible for assisting passengers with mobility issues were instructed to assist in loading luggage rather than transferring Hunter to an appropriate aisle wheelchair, which is required to safely transport passengers with disabilities. According to federal guidelines, these aisle wheelchairs must be used to assist individuals dependent on wheelchairs, and transferring such individuals requires assistance from two crew members.
Instead of being transferred to a compliant aisle wheelchair equipped with safety straps, Hunter was placed in a standard wheelchair that lacked the necessary safety features. As he was being pushed up the ramp to the aircraft, he fell face-first onto the ground, an action that left him exposed and vulnerable due to his condition.
The complaint goes on to detail that both the wheelchair and the assistant toppled over and landed on Hunter, who was unable to brace himself due to his disabilities. The impact resulted in Hunter suffering severe blunt force injuries. After being rushed to a local hospital, he succumbed to his injuries the following day, on 29 March 2024.
Hunter’s father is now seeking damages exceeding £12,000 for the wrongful death of his son. The lawsuit includes claims of negligence regarding Allegiant Air’s hiring practices and employee training, as well as damages related to emotional distress, given that both he and young Kaden witnessed the horrific event.
In response to the lawsuit, an Allegiant Air spokesperson expressed their inability to comment on ongoing litigation but extended their condolences to the Adkins family. They described the situation as “heartbreaking,” reflecting the airline’s awareness of the gravity of this incident.
Jim Murphy, the attorney representing the Adkins family, conveyed their hopes for the case to catalyse broader changes within the airline industry concerning accessibility and safety for passengers with disabilities. He stated that while this legal action cannot bring back Hunter, the family aims to raise awareness and push for much-needed reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Hunter Adkins’ family hopes to shed light on the urgent need for better oversight and training within the airline industry, particularly regarding the treatment of passengers with disabilities. They believe that their case could pave the way for improvements that would enhance the safety and dignity of all travellers.
The tragic circumstances surrounding Hunter’s death have resonated with many, highlighting the critical importance of proper care and adequate resources in the transportation sector for individuals requiring additional support. As discussions around accessibility continue to evolve, this incident may serve as a crucial point of reference in advocating for the rights of disabled passengers in aviation.