Lawsuit Claims Flight Crew Waited Too Long to Help Man in Medical Crisis Who Later Died

A lawsuit filed in Colorado federal court alleges that the crew on an American Airlines-affiliated flight delayed seeking medical help for a man experiencing a medical emergency, resulting in his death.

John Cannon, a 62-year-old passenger from Kentucky, was flying to Durango-La Plata County Airport on April 29, 2023, when he faced what the lawsuit calls an "escalating medical crisis." According to the complaint, the crew did not request medical assistance until after the plane had landed, taxied to the gate, and all the other passengers had already deplaned.

The suit, brought by Cannon's son, argues that both American Airlines and its regional carrier Envoy Air failed to provide reasonable first aid and did not prioritize Cannon during the deboarding process, even as he showed clear signs of severe distress. The family is seeking at least $75,000 in damages.

Attorneys for Cannon's son stated that the incident highlights what they describe as a "corporate culture at American Airlines that prioritizes inaction over intervention." They say the family is pushing not just for justice for Cannon, but also for broader changes in how airlines handle onboard medical emergencies.

Cannon's ordeal began on a flight from Louisville to Dallas, where he experienced a loss of consciousness and had to be helped onto the floor of the jet bridge at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Less than three minutes later, he was cleared to board his connecting flight to Durango. During this second flight, Cannon reportedly became unresponsive as his medical crisis worsened.

Despite this, the crew allegedly waited until after landing and letting everyone else off the plane before calling emergency services. When first responders finally reached Cannon, they began oxygen treatment and transported him to Mercy Medical Center. Tragically, his condition deteriorated en route, and despite intense efforts by EMS—including chest compressions, medications, and defibrillator shocks—Cannon could not be revived. He was pronounced dead early the next morning.

American Airlines has responded by saying they are reviewing the complaint. No further comment has been made by the airline as of now.