A jury in Chicago has awarded $29 million to the family of Michael Ryan, an Irish United Nations employee who perished in the Ethiopian Airlines crash of 2019. decision came after his widow,Naoise Connolly Ryan,filed a civil suit against Boeing, the manufacturer of ill-fated aircraft.
Ryan was among the 157 victims of the crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa. His family’s legal team described the verdict as a crucial step toward accountability and justice. "While no financial award can ever replace a life or undo profound loss his family has endured, we are grateful that jury carefully considered evidence and reached this decision," said Steven C. Marks, attorney representing Connolly Ryan .
In a statement, Boeing spokesperson expressed condolences to all families affected by tragedy and acknowledged the right of families to pursue claims through legal channels. The company has previously settled many claims related to the crash but respects the legal process for those who choose to litigate.
Michael Ryan, originally from County Clare but residing in Cork,was a dedicated engineer with the United Nations World Food Programme. His work included significant humanitarian efforts in regions such as Afghanistan,Sri Lanka,and Bangladesh. His contributions were especially noted for helping Rohingya refugees during a crisis in Bangladesh.
Marks emphasized the broader implications of the verdict,stating, "Although the verdict marks significant milestone, the broader effort to hold Boeing responsible for this tragedy, and to help prevent anything like it from happening again,is just as important." crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 was linked to a malfunctioning automated safety system, which had also been implicated in the earlier Lion Air Flight 610 disaster.
The Ethiopian authorities’ investigation revealed that the aircraft took off normally but encountered issues shortly after. Two sensors that monitored aircraft's angle began to send conflicting data,triggering the automated system to push the plane's nose downward repeatedly. Despite pilots' attempts to regain control, the system continued to force the aircraft down until it crashed .
Ryan's legacy extends beyond the tragedy of his death. A memorial page by the United Nations highlights his impact on global humanitarian efforts. He was credited with constructing shelters and infrastructure that saved countless lives during critical times, including the Ebola outbreak in Liberia.
As the legal proceedings continue, the family remains focused on seeking justice for Ryan. Connolly Ryan's determination has been described as extraordinary by her legal team, who have stood by her side throughout the process. "His impact was worldwide," Marks noted,reflecting on loss felt not only by his family but by communities around globe.
The crash of Flight ET302 has raised ongoing concerns about the safety of the Boeing 737 Max series, leading to widespread scrutiny and regulatory changes in the aviation industry . The verdict in this case may influence future legal actions against the company as families seek accountability for the tragic loss of their loved ones.
