Teen Stowaways Found Dead in JetBlue Plane’s Wheel Well Identified

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – The two stowaways found dead in the wheel well of a JetBlue plane at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport earlier this month have been identified as teenagers from the Dominican Republic, authorities confirmed Thursday.

The victims have been named as 16-year-old Elvis Borquez Castillo and Jeik Anilus Lusi. Their mothers, Margarita Luisi Elisma and Ironelis Castillo, identified them through photographs and DNA testing, conducted by Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies, who traveled to the Dominican Republic as part of the investigation.

Authorities determined that both teens died from asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen in the cramped landing gear compartment. The plane had been flying in freezing temperatures, making survival nearly impossible.

The JetBlue aircraft made multiple stops, including Jamaica, Salt Lake City, New York, and Fort Lauderdale, before maintenance crews discovered the bodies during a routine post-flight inspection on January 7.

Ironelis Castillo shared that the last time she heard from her son was on January 4, when he was driven to a nearby airport in the Dominican Republic before attempting the fatal journey.

Authorities are still investigating how the teenagers managed to enter the aircraft’s landing gear compartment, a hazardous area where survival rates are extremely low due to extreme temperatures and lack of oxygen at high altitudes.

This tragic incident highlights the desperate risks some migrants take in search of better opportunities.