JetBlue Pilot's Wife Insists Husband Was Not 'Intentionally Violent'
The family of the JetBlue pilot who presumably had a nervous breakdown mid flight on March 27 has released an official statement to request privacy and inform the public that further interviews will not be given.
On Friday, Flight 191 faced peril when the captain of the plane suddenly began to act with erratic behavior, forcing the first officer of the flight to dismiss the pilot and take charge. The first officer responded by locking the pilot out of the cockpit and landing the Las Vegas bound airplane in Amarillo, Texas.
Captain Clay Osbon began to run through the passenger aisles, making incoherent marks about religion and terrorists. Passengers responded by tackling the captain in order to subdue him. Sunday, Osbon's wife released a statement declaring that her husband was not a violent man.
"It is our belief, as Clayton's family, that while he was clearly distressed, he was not intentionally violent toward anyone," Connye Osbon remarked. "We know you were placed in an awful situation and we appreciate your ability to respond professionally."
The family has become a topic of much interest since the incident occurred, with media representatives eager to secure an interview. Connye Osbon also asked in her statement that her family be allowed their privacy.
"At this time, we ask that the media respect our wishes for privacy. We understand the public's interest in speaking with Clayton and family members, but we respectfully decline all interview requests and will not be making further statements." Osbon said.
"We hope you can empathize and understand that our focus completely surrounds Clayton's recovery and the path that lies immediately ahead."
Osbon also thanked the crew for being for being "kind and compassionate" and treating her husband, who has worked at Jet Blue for over 12 years, with respect. The crew has has declined any further interviews with the press as well.
