An American Airlines jet in Philadelphia
A veteran American Airlines flight attendant was one of three people stabbed in the downtown area of Denver over the weekend. Two people including Celinda Levno, the flight attendant, died as a result of their injuries.
Levno, who had worked for American Airlines for more than three decades, was on a layover in Denver when the “senseless” attack occurred on 16th Street Mall near California Street at around 5:17 p.m. local time on Saturday. She was rushed to hospital with serious throat injuries following the attack, where she underwent several hours of surgery.
The assailant attacked his first victim on 16th Street Mall on Saturday at approximately 5:12 p.m., and a third victim was stabbed after Levno, at approxiamtely 5:54 p.m. A fourth attack took place Sunday night in the 1600 block of Market Street, which resulted in the death of the victim, an adult male.
Although a suspect has been taken into custody and charged with all four incidents, police officials are warning people to remain vigilant.
In response to the incident, the airline moved all of its crew members on layover in Denver out of their downtown hotel to an airport location after Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas warned people not to go out alone.
American said in a statement that it is “heartbroken and mourning the tragic loss of our colleague who was the victim of a senseless crime last night. Our thoughts and support are with her family, loved ones, and colleagues.”
The Fort Worth-based carrier added that it was “doing all we can to assist law enforcement in its investigation.”
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, which represents cabin crew at American, noted in a statement that Levno had begun her career with America West, a predecessor airline that merged with US Airways in 2007. US Airways then merged with American in 2013 to create the largest airline in the world.
“Celinda’s love for her horses, friends, and family will always be remembered,” the union said in a statement. “We stand in support of Celinda’s family, friends, and our colleagues in Phoenix Inflight as they process this senseless tragedy.”
(Photo: Accura Media Group)
