The death of a man struck by a Frontier Airlines plane at Denver International Airport has been ruled a suicide by the medical examiner. Michael Mott, 41, jumped an 8-foot fence with barbed wire and reached the runway before being hit by the departing aircraft on Friday evening.
According to airport CEO Phillip Washington, roughly two minutes elapsed between Mott's breach of the perimeter and the collision. Ground detection sensors triggered an alarm, but an investigator initially mistook Mott for a deer due to alternating camera views. Washington stated the airport is not considering electrifying or raising the fence, as a motivated individual could still penetrate it.
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas confirmed Mott had prior contact with law enforcement, though details were not provided. The medical examiner's determination was based on scene findings, with Mott suffering multiple blunt and sharp force injuries. Authorities are investigating whether mental health issues played a role.
The Frontier flight, carrying 224 passengers and 7 crew members, was bound for Los Angeles. Mott was pulled into the engine, sparking a fire and evacuation. Twelve individuals reported minor injuries, with five hospitalized; four have since been released. Washington acknowledged the traumatic experience for passengers.
