A man who was killed after being struck by a departing Frontier Airlines plane at Denver International Airport has now been identified as 41-year-old Michael Mott, according to authorities investigating the horrifying incident. Officials say Mott breached airport security Friday night by climbing over an eight-foot barbed-wire fence before making his way onto the runway moments before the tragedy unfolded.
The fatal incident happened as Frontier Flight 4345, an Airbus A321 headed from Denver to Los Angeles, was accelerating for takeoff with 224 passengers and seven crew members onboard. Authorities say Mott entered the runway area less than two minutes before he was struck by the aircraft and pulled into one of its engines, causing a fire and forcing the pilots to abort takeoff. Passengers were evacuated using emergency slides, and at least 12 people suffered minor injuries during the chaotic evacuation.
Denver’s Chief Medical Examiner later released preliminary autopsy findings, ruling Mott’s death a suicide. The report stated he died from “multiple blunt and sharp force injuries” sustained during the collision with the aircraft. Investigators also said evidence from the scene supported the conclusion that Mott intentionally entered the runway in the path of the plane.
New details have also emerged about Mott’s troubled past. Reports obtained by the New York Post indicate he had a lengthy criminal history in Colorado dating back more than two decades, including arrests tied to assault, trespassing, resisting arrest, DUI, domestic violence, and attempted murder charges. Court records reportedly show he previously served prison time after a second-degree assault conviction involving a deadly weapon. Authorities also revealed he had recently been arrested on felony trespassing and property damage charges just weeks before the airport incident.
Officials say airport perimeter alarms were triggered when Mott crossed into the restricted area. Still, investigators believe responding personnel mistakenly thought the movement detected near the runway was caused by wildlife. The incident has now sparked renewed concerns about security measures at Denver International Airport, with federal investigators reviewing how the breach occurred and whether additional safety upgrades may be needed.
