A Texas airport worker who was killed after being sucked into a jet engine last week died by suicide, authorities have determined. David Renner, 27, stepped in front of a Delta Air Lines jet that was taxiing to an arrival gate at San Antonio International Airport on Friday evening.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it would not investigate the incident, as there were no operational safety issues with the plane or the airport. A source briefed on the death had earlier told the Guardian that Renner appeared to have intentionally stepped in front of the live engine.
An autopsy found that Renner died from blunt and sharp force injuries, and the local medical examiner ruled the death a suicide. Renner worked for Unifi Aviation, a company that provides ground handling operations for Delta and other airlines at the airport.
Unifi Aviation expressed deep sadness over the loss, stating: 'Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased, and we remain focused on supporting our employees on the ground.' The incident differs from a similar case in Montgomery, Alabama, last New Year's Eve, which was ruled unintentional.
