LAX-Bound Passenger, Who Fell Ill And Died, Had COVID-19 Symptoms

LOS ANGELES, CA — Just days after United Airlines flight to Los Angeles was diverted because a passenger fell ill and died, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reached out to the airline because the man suffered symptoms of COVID-19.

The man's death was initially described as a heart attack, but one passenger who tweeted from the plane as the flight was diverted to New Orleans said the man's wife told paramedics that he had tested positive for COVID-19. The four flight attendants working the flight began quarantining upon arrival in Los Angeles. And Federal health officials were working with United Airlines Friday to determine if passengers aboard a Los Angeles-bound flight were exposed to COVID-19.

United Airlines confirmed in a statement Friday that it had been contacted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the man, who was aboard United flight 591 from Orlando, Florida, to Los Angeles International Airport on Monday. The flight was diverted and landed in New Orleans due to the sick passenger, who was taken off the plane and pronounced dead at a hospital.

"At the time of the diversion, we were informed he had suffered a cardiac arrest, so passengers were given the option to take a later flight or continue on with their travel plans," according to the airline. "Now that the CDC has contacted us directly, we are sharing requested information with the agency so they can work with local health officials to conduct outreach to any customer the CDC believes may be at risk for possible exposure or infection."

There has been no confirmation that the man was actually infected with COVID-19 or that the virus caused his death.

United Airlines officials said passengers must certify before they are allowed to board planes that they do not have COVID-19 or any symptoms. The man who died completed a questionnaire indicating that he did not have a COVID-19 diagnosis or symptoms, USA Today reported. But the health questionnaire is based on an honor system.

"The health and safety of our employees and customers is our highest priority, which is why we have various policies and procedures in place such as mask mandates and requiring customers to complete a `Ready-to-Fly' checklist before the flight acknowledging they have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days and do not have COVID-related symptoms," according to the airline.

After the man was taken off the plane in New Orleans, the flight continued on to LAX, under the assessment that the passenger had suffered a heart attack.

But the four flight attendants who were working the flight went into quarantine after the plane arrived in Los Angeles, according to their union, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA.

"United flight attendants on Monday responded to a medical emergency inflight resulting in a diversion," according to union representative Taylor Garland. "Upon arrival at LAX, the crew of four flight attendants were quarantined for 14 days per written guidelines. Our union continues to provide support to the crew. We urge passengers to comply with airline COVID policies and stay home if you're sick."

City News and Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.