Two Men Identified After Bodies Found in JetBlue Plane’s Landing Gear

Authorities have identified two men whose bodies were discovered in the landing gear of a JetBlue plane at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on January 7.

The victims, Jeik Anilus Lusi and Elvis Borquez Castillo, were found during a routine post-flight inspection. Their mothers, Margarita Luisi Elisma and Ironelis Castillo, confirmed their identities through photographs and provided DNA samples for final verification.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office traveled to the Dominican Republic to meet with the families as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials determined the cause of death as asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen. How the men accessed the aircraft remains unclear.

Ironelis Castillo stated that her son left the Dominican Republic on January 4, and a neighborhood driver confirmed dropping him off at an airport. Flight records show the plane made a stop in Puerto Plata on January 5.

The Broward County Medical Examiner continues to finalize the identification process as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic discovery.