A San Francisco man died while working at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday evening, officials said. His death is being investigated as an accident.
The worker was identified Monday as 28-year-old John Lacayanga by the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office.
At the time of his death, Lacayanga was working for the Dubai National Air Travel Agency, also called “dnata,” which describes itself as “an Emirati airport services provider” that offers aircraft ground handling, cargo, travel and flight catering services around the globe.
At about 7 p.m. Sunday, the San Francisco Fire Department responded to the vehicle service road between Terminal 3 and the International Terminal Boarding Area G for a report of a solo vehicle accident and found Lacayanga under a cargo pallet he was apparently towing, according to airport officials.
No other vehicles were involved. Representatives of the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health were onsite and conducted interviews with the man’s employer.
An SFO spokesperson forwarded a statement from the company saying it is working “with the relevant authorities to understand the circumstances of the incident” and is providing support to Lacayanga’s family.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a dnata team member passed away whilst on duty at San Francisco International Airport on 18 January,” according to the statement. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to their family, friends and colleagues.”
A sheriff’s office spokesperson said deputies responded to the initial call and then turned the case over to the coroner’s office.
