“Kyler Efinger’s Death Raises Questions About Airport Security Measures and Access Points”

Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation after a shocking incident at Salt Lake City International Airport, where a 30-year-old man breached security measures and tragically lost his life. The incident has raised questions about airport security and the effectiveness of current safety measures.

The man, identified as Kyler Efinger from Park City, managed to access the airfield through an emergency exit door in the terminal. This raises concerns about the accessibility between passengers and the airfield, prompting authorities to examine existing security protocols.

Nancy Volmer, the communications director for the airport, stated that while there are access points between the airfield and the terminal for emergency purposes, additional security measures are in place. However, Volmer declined to provide further details until the investigation is complete and the findings are released by the Salt Lake City Police and federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Volmer emphasized that certain information regarding the incident is public, while other details remain undisclosed. She acknowledged the confusion among the media and the public regarding how such a breach could occur and assured that the investigation aims to provide clarity.

Accessing the Airfield

Efinger was a ticketed passenger bound for Denver, according to the police. He had passed through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint successfully, indicating that he had reached the secure side of the airport. At 9:52 p.m., a store manager reported a disturbance involving Efinger to the airport control center dispatchers.

The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) initiated an investigation and was informed by airport control at 9:56 p.m. that Efinger had accessed the airfield through an emergency exit door. Despite an extensive search, the man could not be located initially. SLCPD spokesman Brent Weisberg explained that accidental triggering of alarms by passengers leaning against emergency exit doors is not uncommon. However, upon realizing that this was not the case, the investigation expanded to determine the true nature of the incident.

Ultimately, it was discovered that Efinger had managed to breach security and gain access to the airfield.

The Tragic Outcome

At 10:04 p.m., airport employees informed the SLCPD that a pilot had spotted Efinger. Shortly after, the SLCPD requested that the FAA’s air traffic control tower be notified of the unauthorized access to the airfield. During the search, Efinger’s clothes were found on a runway, and he was discovered unconscious and partially inside the engine cowling of an Airbus A220-100 at one of the airport’s deicing pads.

The Airbus A220-100, which belongs to Delta Airlines, was preparing to depart for San Francisco. It is worth noting that the aircraft’s engines were rotating when investigators located Efinger. The exact stage of engine operation at the time is currently being investigated.

Efforts were made by the officers to revive Efinger, including administering CPR and naloxone. Unfortunately, these attempts were unsuccessful, and Efinger was pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner will conduct further examinations to determine the cause and manner of Efinger’s death.

Efinger’s father shared with FOX13 that his son appeared to be in good spirits during their Christmas gathering, leading him to speculate whether his son may have experienced a mental health episode.

According to Volmer, deicing pads are situated away from the jet bridge and terminal area. At Salt Lake City International Airport, a mixture of ethylene glycol and water is loaded onto trucks and sprayed onto aircraft for deicing purposes.

Following the incident, the Delta flight to San Francisco was canceled, inconveniencing a total of 95 passengers, three flight attendants, and two pilots. Delta Airlines expressed their commitment to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigations conducted by aviation authorities and law enforcement agencies, prioritizing the safety and security of their customers and personnel.

Ongoing Investigations and Future Improvements

While the medical examiner determines the cause of Efinger’s death, both the Salt Lake City Police Department and federal agencies will continue their investigations.

The SLCPD will conduct a review of their response to identify areas of improvement in terms of notifications and communication during similar incidents in the future. The examination will also focus on how Efinger managed to gain access to the airfield, exploring possible methods used and whether force was involved.

Weisberg emphasized the importance of airport security footage in aiding the investigation. The National Transportation and Safety Board will analyze the incident and subsequently release a report, potentially leading to safety reforms based on their findings.