An unidentified pedestrian was struck and killed by Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 during its takeoff at Denver International Airport late Friday night.
The Airbus A321 aircraft was bound for Los Angeles International Airport and carried 224 passengers and seven crew members at the time of the incident. According to Denver International Airport officials, the pedestrian had jumped the airport’s perimeter fence and was crossing the runway when they were struck approximately two minutes later.
“DEN can confirm the pedestrian jumped the perimeter fence and was hit just two minutes later while crossing the runway. The pedestrian is deceased, and is not believed to be an employee of the airport nor have they been identified,” the airport said in a statement. “The airport has examined the fenceline and found it to be intact.”
Twelve people on the aircraft reported minor injuries, and five were transported to local hospitals. The airport added that it was “extremely saddened by this incident and express[es] our sympathies to those involved.”
The runway remained closed during the early hours of the investigation but has since been re-opened.
Frontier Airlines A321, Flight 4345, struck and killed a pedestrian on DEN Runway 17L last night during its takeoff roll. The person had just jumped the perimeter fence and ran onto the active runway. The individual was hit about two minutes later near the mid-field area, far… pic.twitter.com/4WPzW4hK3M
— SafetySwipe (@SafetyNotorious) May 9, 2026
Air traffic control audio captured the pilots reporting the event, including the statements “We just hit somebody” and references to an engine fire and smoke in the cabin, followed by the decision to evacuate. Denver Fire Department crews responded and extinguished a brief engine fire
“As flight 4345 was departing this evening from Denver International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport, the aircraft reportedly struck a pedestrian on the runway during takeoff. Smoke was reported in the cabin and the pilots aborted takeoff,” Frontier Airlines said in a statement of their own. Passengers were then safely evacuated via slides as a matter of precaution. The Airbus A321 was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members. We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities. We are deeply saddened by this event.”
The National Transportation Safety Board was notified and is coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration, Denver International Airport, and local law enforcement. The FAA is conducting its own investigation, and Frontier Airlines is participating in the review, according to a report from the Associated Press.
