According to a civil complaint obtained by PEOPLE, the woman—an employee of the U.S. Department of Defense—fell seriously ill on a 2024 flight from Virginia to Seoul, South Korea. The filing claims she likely would have survived if Korean Air staff had correctly attached her oxygen mask to its supply.
Porscha Tynisha Brown boarded the March 29, 2024, flight with three friends, as first reported by The Independent. Roughly 12 hours into the journey, shortly after a meal service, she told a friend she felt unwell and went to the restroom.
Not long after, flight attendants reportedly asked if any passengers had medical training. Brown’s friends went to the rear of the plane, where they say they found her on the floor in the aisle, holding her chest and struggling to breathe.
Crew members provided her with an oxygen mask, but her breathing reportedly did not improve. The complaint states that she soon lost consciousness and became unresponsive.
An automated external defibrillator (AED) was brought out, but the lawsuit claims the crew did not attempt to use it or assist others in doing so. Passengers allegedly tried to administer epinephrine, but her condition did not improve. Instead of taking decisive action, the filing claims the crew appeared to panic, observe, and take notes.
The flight was diverted to Osaka, Japan, due to the emergency. After landing, one of Brown’s friends reportedly discovered that the oxygen mask had never been connected to an oxygen tank.
Brown was taken to Rinku General Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Charles Gormly, representing Brown’s estate, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the airline. The complaint argues that proper and timely action could have prevented her suffering and death.
The estate is seeking a jury trial and compensation for damages, including lost income, medical and related expenses, and emotional distress.
“This case is about accountability,” said attorney Darren Nicholson, co-counsel for the estate, in a statement. “Airlines are responsible for passenger safety, especially in emergencies. Ms. Brown deserved proper care, and her family deserves justice.”
In response, Korean Air stated on April 1 that it will cooperate fully with the legal process but declined further comment due to the ongoing litigation.
