A Tragic Incident at Salt Lake City International Airport
A disturbing incident unfolded at Salt Lake City International Airport on Monday evening, resulting in the tragic death of a passenger. According to a timeline released by the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD), the incident began with a report of a “disturbance” made by a store manager inside the airport at approximately 9:52 p.m.
Before officers could locate the individual involved, identified as 37-year-old Austin Efinger, airport control notified authorities that Efinger had gone through an emergency exit door and onto the tarmac. By the time officers arrived at the scene at 10:08 p.m., they found Efinger unconscious and partially inside a wing-mounted engine of a Delta Air Lines aircraft that was being serviced at the gate.
Tragically, Efinger died soon after being pulled from the engine, despite life-saving efforts including CPR and the use of naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. The SLCPD has stated that they will collaborate with the medical examiner’s office to determine the cause and manner of Efinger’s death.
The specific stage of engine operation at the time of the incident remains under investigation. The airport has not commented on how Efinger was able to gain access to the tarmac and the aircraft’s engine.
The incident has raised concerns about airport security and the safety of passengers and personnel. This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance and security measures in and around airports.