A Chicago jury has awarded $29 million in damages to the family of Michael “Mick” Ryan, an Irish-born United Nations worker who died in the 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash. The case, brought by Naoise Connolly Ryan, Mick’s widow, was filed against Boeing following the Ethiopian Airlines crash that killed all 157 people on board. Mick Ryan, originally from Clare, was an engineer with the UN World Food Programme and had relocated to Rome.
The award was announced by a US court spokesman, confirming the jury’s decision. The family had previously received €25 million from another source, according to reports from Irish media. The case highlights ongoing legal battles over the 2019 crash, which remains a significant event in aviation safety discussions.
The lawsuit against Boeing focuses on the design and safety of the 737 MAX aircraft. The family’s legal team argued that Boeing failed to adequately address known risks associated with the plane’s MCAS system. The case is part of a broader pattern of lawsuits following the crash.
The outcome underscores the long-term impact of the crash on the families of victims and the legal challenges faced by airlines and manufacturers.
