A routine flight reportedly turned into a terrifying experience for 82-year-old Walter Loughney after an alleged mid-air assault aboard an American Airlines
flight.
The incident has now led to a federal lawsuit and renewed discussions around airline safety, passenger behaviour, and rising cases of air rage.
According to a complaint filed in a federal court in West Palm Beach, the incident took place aboard American Airlines Flight 2485 on May 16, 2024.
Walter Loughney was travelling from Florida to North Carolina when he reportedly became uncomfortable with the behaviour of the passenger seated next to him, identified as 37-year-old Allisen Elizabeth Werner from Michigan.
The lawsuit alleges that Werner began acting erratically shortly after boarding the aircraft. According to the complaint, she allegedly sang loudly, shouted to herself, and displayed emotionally unstable behaviour during the flight.
Concerned about the situation, Walter reportedly requested flight attendants multiple times to either move him or relocate the other passenger before takeoff.
However, the complaint claims cabin crew members informed him that no other seats were available on the flight.
The lawsuit further alleges that the situation escalated dramatically during the journey when Werner suddenly became violent and repeatedly punched Walter.
According to the filing, the elderly passenger suffered serious injuries to his head and brain during the assault.
The complaint also claims that a flight attendant was standing nearby during the incident but allegedly failed to intervene or attempt to calm the situation.
Werner was reportedly arrested after the flight landed in Charlotte and was later indicted on two federal assault charges.
Court records further state that she later failed to appear for a scheduled hearing and was subsequently declared a fugitive.
The case has drawn additional attention because Werner was reportedly arrested again months later during the Burning Man festival over allegations of assaulting another attendee and resisting police officers.
Walter Loughney’s lawsuit now argues that the airline should have recognised warning signs earlier and taken preventive action before the situation escalated into violence.
The case has once again sparked broader concerns about passenger safety and how airlines respond to disruptive behaviour during flights.
