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Who was David Renner? Texas airport worker 'killed himself' by leaping into running aircraft engine

A probe was initially launched into the death of 27-year-old David Renner

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS: An airport employee’s death has been declared a suicide after he was sucked into the engine of a jet plane. David Renner died on Friday, June 23, at San Antonio International Airport. A probe was initially launched into the 27-year-old’s death by the National Transportation Safety Board.

However, after the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office called it a suicide, a spokesperson for the NTSB said, as per The Sun, “The NTSB will not be opening an investigation into this event. There were no operational safety issues with either the airplane or the airport.”

Who was David Renner?

Renner was a staff member of Unifi Aviation, a firm that works on contracts for Delta Airlines. After his death, the Atlanta-based company reportedly shared, “Unifi Aviation is deeply saddened by the loss of our employee at San Antonio International Airport during a tragic incident. Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased, and we will remain focused on supporting our employees on the ground and ensuring they are being taken care of during this time.”

Delta Airlines also issued a statement, which read, “We are heartbroken and grieving the loss of an aviation family member's life in San Antonio. Our hearts and full support are with their family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the family’

Renner's death was reported just months after another airport worker, 34-year-old Courtney Edwards, died in similar circumstances at Alabama's Montgomery Regional Airport. A tweet from the airport stated at the time, “Today around 3 pm an American Airlines ground crew Piedmont employee was involved in a fatality, no additional information is available at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased.”

Besides, a statement from American Airlines added, “We are devastated by the accident involving a team member of Piedmont Airlines, an American Airlines regional carrier, at Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM). Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our local team members. We are focused on ensuring that all involved have the support they need during this difficult time.”

‘So very sorry for your loss’

The Montgomery Regional Airport’s tweet received messages of support for the deceased’s family with a user tweeting, “Sending thoughts and prayers to the Employees family. I am a fellow ramper. So very sorry for your loss.” Another commented, “My heart goes out to all MGM employees and Piedmont employees and the family of the victim. Sending love from a DL employee.”

“I worked as a baggage handler once many moons ago. I imagine it was unfortunately a very bad accident. Prayers go out to family and friends of the worker,” a third one wrote. A fourth added, “Very sad.  Likely exhausted because I’m sure she was given safety training. This is truly a tragedy.”

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