Image: from Bored Panda X @boredpanda
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Federal investigators and local authorities are continuing to investigate a deadly runway incident at Denver International Airport after a man was struck and killed by a departing Frontier Airlines aircraft late Friday night.
FULL VIDEO: Shows as Jet engine bursts into flames after man was struck by Frontier jet during takeoff at Denver International Airport in Colorado. pic.twitter.com/ueWxK9nBOh
— MCBN (@MCBNNEWSS) May 12, 2026
Authorities identified the victim as 41-year-old Michael Mott, who died after being hit by Frontier Flight 4345 at approximately 11:15 p.m. while the aircraft was taking off.
The trespasser who was fatally struck by a Frontier Airlines jet at Denver International Airport was a 41-year-old career criminal named Michael Mott, He had racked up over 20 prior arrests over more than two decades, including attempted murder. pic.twitter.com/U9C7jtnLge
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) May 13, 2026
The incident immediately triggered a large-scale emergency response and temporarily transformed part of the airport into an active crime scene.
⚠️ Frontier plane at Denver fatally struck a person on the runway. Aborted takeoff after smoke. Passengers evacuated safely. Heart goes out to the family. Investigation ongoing. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/hvIXDL8DV6
— The Last Best Hope of Earth (@TheLastHopeUSA) May 9, 2026
Officials Describe Massive Emergency Response
Airport officials said debris from the collision was scattered across nearly 4,000 feet of runway area as investigators worked through the night to secure evidence and reconstruct the sequence of events.
Phil Washington said officials quickly recognized the seriousness of the situation.
“We knew this was going to be considered a crime scene,” Washington said during a press conference.
The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner later determined that Mott died from multiple blunt and sharp force injuries.
Officials ruled the manner of death as suicide.
Chief Medical Examiner Sterling McLaren acknowledged the emotional impact of the tragedy on everyone involved.
“I want to take a moment to acknowledge that the news of this nature can be very painful for the family, witnesses, and any members of our community,” McLaren said.
Investigators Examine Security Breach
According to investigators, Mott climbed over an eight-foot security fence topped with barbed wire before entering the restricted airfield area.
Authorities said he walked directly in front of the departing aircraft approximately two minutes later.
Police are still attempting to determine what motivated him to enter the runway.
Ron Thomas said investigators are interviewing relatives and individuals who knew Mott in an effort to better understand the circumstances leading up to the incident.
“As we speak, investigators are out contacting family and others who knew him to see if there is additional information that we can learn about his motivation,” Thomas said.
He also expressed sympathy for passengers, airport workers, emergency responders, and witnesses affected by the event.
“This was an incredibly difficult and traumatic situation for a lot of people,” he added.
Authorities Reveal Criminal History
Court records show Mott had a lengthy criminal history spanning several counties across Colorado, including Pueblo, Montezuma, and El Paso counties.
Records indicate previous arrests involving violent offenses, including attempted murder charges.
Officials said his last known address was in Pueblo.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing surveillance footage, airport security procedures, and witness accounts.
Airport Operations Continue
Despite the disruption caused by the incident, airport officials said operations at Denver International Airport resumed after investigators completed their initial work at the scene.
Authorities are asking anyone with information connected to the incident or Mott’s recent activities to contact investigators.
The tragedy has renewed discussion about airport perimeter security and the psychological toll such incidents can have on aviation crews, emergency personnel, and travelers.