Authorities are investigating the discovery of two bodies in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue plane at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Monday night. South Florida Local TV News Station Local 10 reported that the bodies were found during a routine post-flight maintenance inspection.
A JetBlue spokesperson described the situation as “heartbreaking” and pledged cooperation with investigators. An airport representative confirmed that there were no impacts on airport operations due to the incident. The victims were deceased when discovered, and flight data indicates the plane arrived from JFK International Airport at 11:03 p.m.
Broward Sheriff’s Office spokesman Carey Codd said that deputies responded around 11:30 p.m., and paramedics pronounced the victims dead at the scene.
Passenger Sarah Schaefer expressed surprise that a body could remain in the wheel well during a flight, suggesting desperation might drive someone to attempt such a dangerous escape. The investigation is ongoing, and autopsies are expected to determine the causes of death.
