In lawsuit, family alleges Delta overserved alcohol to man who hit, killed wife
Feb 12, 2024, 7:47 AM | Updated: 12:43 pm
The airport scene after a man hit his wife with a car. (Salt Lake City Police Department.)
(Salt Lake City Police Department.)
SALT LAKE CITY — The family of a woman run over and killed by her husband is suing Delta Airlines for over-serving him alcohol.
Charlotte Sturgeon died in April 2022 after her husband struck and killed her in the parking garage of Salt Lake International Airport. According to the lawsuit, Shawn Sturgeon’s blood alcohol limit was well over the legal limit when the incident occurred. Sturgeon claimed he was so intoxicated he had no memory of landing.
Documents state that Sturgeon backed out of the parking stall and struck his wife who was outside of the vehicle. The couple’s child witnessed the incident.
The lawsuit filed by Charlotte’s estate
The family alleges Delta employees overserved Sturgeon and did nothing to prevent him from leaving the airport and getting behind the wheel. The lawsuit claims that Delta’s negligent actions directly caused or contributed to the death of Charlotte.
Shawn Sturgeon, who was 38 at the time of his wife’s death was charged with manslaughter, criminal homicide, and domestic violence in front of a child.
Delta Airlines’ response to the lawsuit
Delta made a statement in response to the lawsuit. “Although we dispute the allegations in the complaint, we cannot comment further on the pending litigation.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing trouble linked to domestic violence, the following resources are available.
Utah Domestic Violence LINKLine
1-800-897-LINK (5465)
If LINKLine advocates experience an increased call volume, they will forward calls to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
StrongHearts Native Helpline
1-844-762-8483
