In 2024, while boarding an Allegiant Air flight in West Virginia, a young man died after a fatal fall. But now, 2 years later, his father is suing the airline for wrongful death and mishandling of his son.

Hunter Adkins, his father Tony Adkins, and his 9 year old younger brother Kaden Adkins were boarding the flight when the staff were said to be “rushing” to board, which, while escorting Hunter Adkins to the plane, caused the assistant assigned to him to fall on top of him. Hunter Adkins couldn’t break the fall due to his disability.

Hunter Adkins was only 24 years old when he fell from his wheelchair. 15 hours after arriving at the hospital, he passed away.

Hunter Adkins had muscular dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that, over time, cause the muscles in the body to weaken and lose mass. Usually this leads to those with the disorders losing the ability to walk.

The wheelchair given to Hunter Adkins to be escorted into the plane with was lacking safety straps, further adding to the case.

His father, Tony Adkins, filed the case in Las Vegas, and is seeking $15,000. He is seeking compensation for negligence of the staff, wrongful death, and emotional distress due to his youngest son, Kaden Adkins, witnessing the event.

The case is still ongoing, but has brought the case back to the public eye. Tony Adkins hopes to seek compensation for the loss of his son.