A New Orleans woman is dead after a freak accident at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, according to reports. Jermani Thompson, 26, a baggage handler for GAT Airline Ground Support, was working to offload a Frontier Airlines plane that had landed when her hair got tangled in a belt loader. Thompson died en route to a local hospital.
“We are heartbroken and are supporting her family and her friends as best as we are able. Please send your well wishes to everyone at our New Orleans station during this very difficult time,” the CEO of GAT Airline Ground Support, Mike Hough, says.
“The doctor said that her hair got stuck in the conveyer and they say they tried to cut her hair but they couldn’t,” said Dorsey. “She died on her way to the hospital.”
Thompson was a hoops fanatic and played basketball at Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi. “She loved basketball — that was her thing,” Dorsey said.
Upon learning of the news, Tougaloo College issued a statement:
“We are all heartbroken to learn of the sudden death of Tougaloo Eagle Miss Jermani Thompson, who tragically died on August 30, 2022.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family, the Class of 2019, friends, and the College community as we mourn the loss of a spirited, caring, and thoughtful, scholar, athlete, and alumna.
“We extend our thoughts and prayers to the family and ask God to give them peace and strength to rely on each other during these difficult times and, more importantly, to rely on God.
“Proverbs 18:10 tells us, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.”
“Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
“We will provide an update about Miss Thompson’s services as soon as they become available.”
Through a spokesperson, Frontier Airlines said it canceled a flight immediately following the accident and issued a statement.
“WE EXTEND OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOLLOWING THE TRAGIC DEATH OF A TEAM MEMBER OF OUR GROUND HANDLING BUSINESS PARTNER,” READ THE STATEMENT. “OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH HER FAMILY AND LOVED ONES DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.”
An anonymous co-worker said he can’t get the image out of his head and all of the people who witnessed it were crying and in shock.
It is very likely that after an investigation into the accident is completed, new standards of safety with regards to employees will be implemented. As always, it’s a shame that the loss of life is what initiates change.
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