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Parents Sue Over SFO Cargo Runner’s Death, Blaming Contractors, City and Vehicle Maker

The complaint points to regulatory citations, roadway failures, and equipment flaws as evidence that the death was preventable.

Overview

  • Lacayanga’s parents filed a wrongful-death suit in San Mateo County Superior Court alleging their son fell from a tow tractor, was run over by a cargo dolly, and died of traumatic asphyxia.
  • The 28-page complaint names the City and County of San Francisco, Ground Services International, DNATA and Textron as defendants and seeks unspecified damages.
  • Plaintiffs cite a recent CAL/OSHA citation that found DNATA failed to ensure seatbelt use on tugs and note DNATA paid a $7,335 civil penalty without contesting the finding.
  • The suit alleges a pavement irregularity on SFO service roads caused the bump that ejected Lacayanga and says the tractor lacked basic safety features such as a roof, roll cage and emergency braking.
  • If the case proceeds, the family’s lawyers expect to use the regulatory finding and past ramp-accident history to press for contractor and municipal accountability and possible equipment design changes.