Photo Courtesy of GoFundMe
A GoFundMe was created to help the family of a deceased airline worker who died from being sucked into the engine of an aircraft on Dec. 31, 2022.
Courtney Edwards was a ground handling agent for Piedmont Airlines (a subsidiary of American Airlines), but most importantly, a beloved daughter and mother of three. What should’ve been a day of joy as the New Year approached was a day of unpredicted tragedy.
According to an aviation investigation preliminary report, the ground crew held two safety “huddles” before the plane’s arrival. The first was 10 minutes before, and the second was shortly before the plane landed.
During the “huddles” or briefings, safety precautions were discussed, like not approaching the aircraft and not setting up the diamond of safety cones until the plane engines “were off, spooled down, and the airplane’s rotating beacon light had been extinguished by the flight crew.”
Later, the Embraer 170 airplane landed at the Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) in Montgomery, Alabama.
Several flight crew members reported seeing Edwards approach the back of the plane while the engine was still running. One of the members saw her go towards the back of the aircraft to set down a safety cone and almost fall over due to the plane’s fumes. He tried warning her, but it didn’t stop anything.
Security footage captured Edwards approaching the plane’s rear with an orange safety cone in her hand. She would eventually disappear from camera view when she was forced into the plane’s engine and killed.
Richard Honeycutt, vice president of Communication Workers of America District 3, gave a statement about the horrible death of Edwards.
“The news of this terrible tragedy was heartbreaking. Courtney was a valued member of her team and our union,” Honeycutt said. “She was away from her family working on New Year’s Eve, making sure passengers got to where they needed to be for the holidays. She represents the very best of our CWA airport members, who constantly make sacrifices to serve the flying public.
Honeycutt continued, “Her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of her fellow CWA members and those closest to her. Our staff and local leaders are on the ground coordinating with the relevant agencies as the investigation continues. We are doing as much as we can to provide support for her family and loved ones during this most tragic time.”
Funds are being raised to help Edwards’ children and family mourn without worrying about funeral costs or expenses for the care of her children. The amount requested was $25,000, but over $100,000 was donated.