Overview
- The medical examiner’s report says Daniel Maldonado, 49, likely suffered a sudden medical emergency while driving an aircraft tug, a vehicle that moves planes on the ground.
- The tug hit the underside of a jet bridge, the movable walkway at the gate, trapping him and causing fatal injuries.
- The crash unfolded as Delta Flight 2593 was set to deplane Thursday just before 11 p.m., and passengers exited down rear airstairs to the tarmac.
- The death was ruled accidental from multiple blunt impact injuries, and police are still investigating with FAA support.
- Delta paused operations that night and canceled one departure, and labor leaders are pressing for stronger ground-safety steps across the industry.