Charlotte Airport Stowaway Identified as Guatemalan Man
A stowaway found deceased in the landing gear of an American Airlines aircraft at Charlotte Douglas International Airport has been identified as Jose Joaquin De Leon Santiz, 25, of Guatemala.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers discovered Santiz’s body on Sunday, September 28, while maintenance crews inspected the plane. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 9 a.m. The discovery highlights the extreme risks individuals take attempting to travel undetected in aircraft cargo holds.
“We are working with law enforcement on its investigation,” American Airlines stated. The Guatemalan consulate has been notified of Santiz’s death and has informed his family. The FBI is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, and authorities are seeking information from the public. Anyone with information is asked to contact the CMPD tip line at 704-432-8477 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 704-334-1600.
This incident is a tragic reminder of the global issue of migration and the desperate measures some individuals undertake to seek better opportunities. The FBI continues to investigate, and the CMPD stated the investigation remains ongoing.
