TheDenverChannel.com









Staying Healthy
Related To Story

Man Hanging In Plane Lavatory Was Charged In Arson Case

Man Had Set Miami Auto Showroom On Fire Earlier, Police Say

POSTED: 5:35 am MST February 9, 2006
UPDATED: 7:12 pm MST February 9, 2006

Police are investigating the apparent suicide of an airplane passenger that forced a Los Angeles-bound flight to divert to Denver.

Authorities said a man was found hanging in a lavatory of the United Airlines flight Wednesday night.

The plane departed Washington, D.C., en route to LAX, but had to detour to Denver. Passengers were put on another plane before the flight took off again for California.

The Denver medical examiner's office identified the man Thursday as Gerald Georgettis, 56, of Miami, Fla.

According to the Miami TV station WPLG, Georgettis was involved in an arson incident on Saturday at a Ford dealership in Miami. Miami-Dade police said Georgettis was upset about the price he paid for a new Ford Escape.

According to police, Georgettis drove his vehicle into the showroom of Metro Ford, poured gasoline over the showroom and set it on fire. Contacted by the TV station the following day, Georgettis said it was a stupid thing to do and he regretted it.

Fire officials said the blaze scorched about a dozen cars, including a limited edition 2006 Ford GT Heritage. Only 250 of the cars that sell for $150,000 were made.

Georgettis was charged with first-degree arson and felony criminal mischief in connection with the incident.

The station said he quit his job as a supervisor with the city of North Miami Beach the day after the television interview. He had managed and booked acts into the city's Performing Arts Theater for the last four years.

It's not yet known how Georgettis got from Miami to Washington, D.C. for the flight, or why he was going to Los Angeles.

Denver police detective Virginia Lopez said no other passengers on the United flight were ever in danger.

"Right now, everything leads us to believe the male involved did commit suicide," she said.

United officials did not immediately return a call.

Last month, the El Paso County coroner ruled that a Sacramento, Calif., woman had committed suicide on an America West flight between Cleveland and Phoenix by overdosing on morphine. That flight made an unscheduled landing Jan. 6 in Colorado Springs after Stephanie Marson was found unconscious in her seat.

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser has a diet and fitness plan to help you burn fat faster and stay in shape. MoreClick Here

You’ve heard of certain foods that can help you prevent cancer and even halt the spread of the disease. Find out if these anti-cancer foods really work. More

If your credit is shabby, you'll need to shore up your score to convince a lender you're worthy. Here's how to boost your point total. More

In the workplace it’s the little things that get you noticed and help you stand out above the rest. Do these things and increase your chances for a promotion. More

Sponsored Links

Get Healthy!

10 expert tips to promote a healthier heart. Learn why the “full-fat” version of food is often better than the “low-fat” version. More

Shop Your Insurance

SAVE up to 30% on Insurance
Paying too much for insurance? Get quotes from multiple companies and choose the best plan for you. Start saving now!

Insurance Type:


Zip Code: