The family of Kyler Efinger, a 29-year-old man from Park City, is seeking justice following the tragic events leading to his death at Salt Lake City International Airport on January 1, 2024. The lawsuit, filed against Salt Lake City, alleges that airport officials failed to provide adequate assistance during a critical search for Efinger and lacked effective communication with pilots during the unfolding crisis. According to court documents, Kyler Efinger was preparing to board a Delta flight to Denver to visit his ailing grandfather when he began to experience a manic episode related to his long-standing battle with bipolar disorder. The family has shared that Kyler had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder for over a decade and had experienced episodes of disorientation during that time. Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage reveal that at approximately 9:00 p.m. on that fateful night, Kyler exhibited erratic behavior, including running against the flow of foot traffic on moving walkways. Just moments later, at 9:28 p.m., he entered a store located near Gate A31, where the manager noted his unusual demeanor. The manager, concerned for Kyler's well-being, sold him a jersey at a discounted price to expedite the transaction. After leaving the store, Kyler returned without shoes and with his shirt unzipped, expressing agitation about his bag, which he had left behind. The store manager attempted to assist him, but Kyler ran back towards the gate, prompting the manager to contact airport emergency services. The lawsuit claims that airport personnel failed to properly address Kyler's deteriorating mental state, leaving him unattended despite his incoherent behavior. The sequence of events escalated when Kyler was seen lying on a moving walkway handrail and attempting to access doors leading to the jet bridge. Reportedly, airport janitorial staff observed him but did not intervene effectively. At approximately 9:54 p.m., Kyler managed to breach an emergency exit door near Gate A4, which the lawsuit claims was not equipped with a delayed egress locking system. This lack of security allowed him to escape the terminal unnoticed. Confusion among airport personnel further exacerbated the situation, as dispatchers struggled to inform officers of Kyler's whereabouts. Audio communications revealed significant miscommunication, with officers mistakenly believing Kyler had exited from a different location. It was not until 10:02 p.m. that the correct information was relayed to law enforcement, but by then, Kyler had already made his way onto the runway. In the chilling moments that followed, Kyler reportedly removed his clothing, leaving only a jersey and socks in freezing temperatures. At 10:04 p.m., a pilot spotted Kyler on the runway, and within minutes, he approached an Airbus A220-100 that was preparing for takeoff. Alarmingly, the air traffic control team had not been alerted to the presence of a disoriented individual on the tarmac. According to investigators, the pilot only turned off the aircraft's engines after seeing Kyler. Tragically, Kyler climbed into the plane's engine cowling while it was still running. Eyewitness accounts indicate that his dreadlocked hair became entangled in the engine blades, leading to his fatal injuries. The lawsuit contends that Salt Lake City breached its duty to maintain safe premises and properly monitor security systems at the airport. The Efinger family is seeking damages amounting to $300,000, along with attorney's fees, and is requesting a jury trial to address what they describe as a preventable tragedy. Kyler Efinger's family has expressed their profound grief and frustration, stating that they hope this legal action will not only provide them with some measure of justice but also prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The lawsuit shines a light on the critical need for improved airport security protocols and better mental health support for passengers who may be experiencing crises. As the case unfolds, the eyes of the community and the country will be on the proceedings, hoping for accountability and systemic changes to ensure the safety and well-being of all travelers at airports across the nation.