A father in West Virginia is taking legal action against Allegiant Air after the death of his 24-year-old son, a young man who relied on a wheelchair and was traveling with his family.
Tony Adkins has filed a lawsuit claiming that the airline’s handling of the boarding process led to the fatal injuries of his son, Hunter Adkins. The case centers on an incident that allegedly unfolded while the family was preparing to board a flight last spring.
For the Adkins family, what should have been a routine trip ended in a tragedy that they say could have been prevented.
What the lawsuit alleges
According to the complaint, the incident happened on March 28, 2024, at Huntington Tri-State Airport in West Virginia.
Hunter Adkins, who lived with muscular dystrophy and used a motorized wheelchair, was traveling with his father and his 9-year-old brother, Kaden.
The lawsuit claims that during the boarding process, staff responsible for assisting passengers with mobility needs were reassigned to help load luggage so the aircraft could depart more quickly.
Because of that change, the complaint alleges, Hunter did not receive the specialized boarding support required for passengers who cannot walk.
Boarding procedures under scrutiny
Federal regulations require that passengers with limited mobility be transferred to a narrow aisle wheelchair designed for airplane cabins. Those transfers must typically involve two trained staff members to ensure the passenger’s safety.
But the lawsuit claims Hunter was instead placed in a wheelchair that lacked safety straps.
As an assistant pushed the chair up the ramp toward the plane, the complaint alleges that Hunter fell forward from the seat. The wheelchair and the assistant reportedly tipped over onto him.
Because of his muscular dystrophy, the lawsuit says, Hunter was unable to brace himself during the fall.
A family’s loss
Hunter was taken to a nearby hospital with multiple blunt-force injuries.
He died the following morning, March 29, about 15 hours after the incident, according to the complaint.
Tony Adkins says he and his younger son witnessed what happened. The lawsuit seeks damages for wrongful death and emotional distress, along with claims that the airline failed to properly hire, train, and supervise employees responsible for assisting disabled passengers.
The filing requests unspecified compensation exceeding $15,000.
The airline’s response
Allegiant Air has declined to comment on the details of the case because the lawsuit is ongoing.
In a statement reported by local media, the company expressed sympathy to the family, describing the situation as heartbreaking.
Attorneys representing the Adkins family say the legal action is about more than financial compensation.
They hope the case draws attention to how airlines assist passengers with disabilities and encourages stronger safety practices across the industry.
Why accessibility in travel matters
For millions of travelers with disabilities, boarding an airplane often requires coordination between airport staff, airline crews, and specialized equipment.
Advocates say these procedures exist for a reason: even small mistakes during transfers can lead to serious injuries.
Cases like the Adkins lawsuit highlight how vulnerable passengers can be during those moments — when they rely completely on others for safe movement.
Behind the legal arguments is a family navigating an unimaginable loss, and a broader question about whether travel systems designed for speed and efficiency can consistently protect those who need the most care.
