Family of 25-year-old woman who died months after falling, breaking her neck when “Southwest Airlines refused to assist” broke the silence

THE family of a 25-year-old disabled woman who died after falling off a Southwest Airlines jet bridge have broken their silence.

Gaby Assouline’s family claimed in a court case that she broke her neck boarding a plane after staff refused to help her and her wheelchair got stuck, throwing her on her head.

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She was reportedly paralyzed after the fall and died on Sunday – 11 months later.

Her family responded to her death in an update on a GoFundMe page created to help cover her recovery costs from the accident.

“Gaby wasn’t alone in the end. We were all blessed to be by her bedside, crying, praying and sharing Gaby stories,” the family wrote.

“Gaby’s life was tragically cut short 11 months ago but she fought the biggest battle with grace, friends, laughter and the firm belief that she would leave the hospital and come home very soon.

“Unfortunately, complications robbed Gaby of that ending.”

The family’s lawsuit, filed before Gaby’s death, claimed she had a genetic condition that affected her mobility but only used a wheelchair for longer journeys before the accident.

She spent 11 months in hospital after the accident and, according to her family, could only communicate with her eyes before her death.

According to The New York Post, the lawsuit asked Southwest Airlines to pay for Gaby’s treatment in full and also sought compensation for her suffering.

The accident happened in February 2022 while traveling from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Denver, Colorado.

She was reportedly in an electric wheelchair and asked for help from a staff member to board the plane.

The lawsuit alleges the clerk turned down Gaby’s request for help.

Gaby then boarded the Jet Bridge and the chair hit an intersection, tipping over and throwing her off.

She reportedly landed on her head and was paralyzed from the head down.

The family now plans to amend the negligence lawsuit and refil it as a wrongful death lawsuit, their attorney told the New York Post.

Attorney Robert Solomon said the airline claimed Gaby refused staff help.

“Southwest has folded their arms and blamed Gaby,” he said.

“She fought for eleven months. Her family fought for eleven months. Now I will fight for them.”

Gaby had a rare condition called fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, which turns muscle tissue into bone and affects her mobility.

When asked for comment, Southwest Airlines said: “Southwest offers its sincere condolences to Ms. Assouline’s family, friends and everyone whose life has touched her.

“We have been committed to our employees and customers for more than 51 years, and we remain committed to the parties involved.”