Family Files Wrongful Death Suit Against American Airlines After Passenger's Heart Attack

The family of John William Cannon has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against American Airlines and its subsidiary, Envoy Air, alleging negligence after Cannon died following a medical emergency during his travels in April 2023. The lawsuit claims that after Cannon fainted while deplaning in Dallas, airline staff spent minimal time assisting him before allowing him to board his connecting flight despite signs of medical distress. During the subsequent flight, Cannon's condition worsened, but the flight crew allegedly delayed seeking medical help until after landing and all passengers had deplaned. The complaint asserts that these delays and the failure to provide adequate first aid contributed to Cannon’s death from a heart attack en route to the hospital. The family further argues that insufficient staff training and a corporate culture prioritizing inaction over intervention played a role in the tragedy. American Airlines has stated it is reviewing the complaint.