According to Fox, the incident happened as Jermani Thompson was carrying baggage in a location near parked aircraft known as a “apron.” Thompson was collecting luggage from a Frontier Airlines aircraft when her hair became entangled on a conveyor belt, dragging her along with it. Thompson was injured and was taken to the hospital, where she died on Wednesday.
Jermani Thompson was an exceptional athlete.
Nicole Branch, Jermani Thompson’s sister-in-law, told NOLA that the family was investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. However, no investigation has been launched.
Branch stated:
“She left for work one morning and never returned. This is just surreal right now.”
Frontier Airlines canceled a flight on Wednesday in reaction to Thompson’s death and issued a statement about the situation. According to the statement:
“We express our heartfelt sympathies in the wake of the terrible loss of a member of our ground handling business partner.” During this tragic moment, our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”
Mike Hough, CEO of GAT Airline Ground Support, where Jermani Thompson worked, also confirmed her death. Hough stated:
“We are saddened and are doing all we can to help her family and friends.”
Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, issued a comment on Thompson’s death through WDSU. He stated:
“We are heartbroken to learn about the terrible death of GAT Airline Ground Support crew member Jermani Thompson.”
“A basketball guru” is what her mother calls her. Jermani Thompson was killed while unloading baggage at the New Orleans Airport. Tonight we speak with her family. @wdsu pic.twitter.com/DBYb9oIxkl
— Kourtney Williams (@KourtneyWDSU) September 1, 2022
The statement went on:
“The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport sends its heartfelt sympathies to her family and friends, as well as our GAT and Frontier Airlines partners. Jermani was a member of our Airport family, and we will continue to help each other in any way we can at this difficult time.”
Angela Dorsey, the victim’s mother, described her as a popular and brilliant athlete who had attended Riverside Academy, East St. John High School, and Hesston College in Kansas. She also attended Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in sociology.
She stated:
“Basketball was her passion. She was my little daughter. Everyone adored her. I’m at a loss for words. I’m at a loss for words.”
Dorsey said in a separate interview with Fox:
“She was a basketball master; she could accomplish whatever you asked of her.” What you need of me. I simply can’t believe it, my only daughter is no longer with us. I don’t think so. It’s as if she just told me, “I’ll see you when I get back.”
Thompson leaves behind four brothers, among many other relatives, according to Fox.
