CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A stowaway who was found dead in the landing gear of an American Airlines aircraft at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in late September 2025 has been identified, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said .

CMPD discovered the body on Sunday, September 28, while maintenance crews were working on the plane at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

The stowaway, identified on October 11 as 25-year-old Jose Joaquin De Leon Santiz, was found in the landing gear compartment shortly after 9 a.m. and was pronounced dead at the scene by airport division officers, police said.

"We are working with law enforcement on its investigation," American Airlines said in a statement.

CMPD said the Guatemalan consulate has notified Santiz's family and that the FBI is the lead agency

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