Veteran American Airlines Flight Attendant Tragically Killed in Series of Stabbings in Downtown Denver
- Two people have been killed in a series of stabbings in Downtown Denver over the weekend. A suspect has been taken into custody, although people are being warned to remain vigilant.
American Airlines is mourning the loss of a veteran flight attendant who was tragically killed in a random stabbing attack in downtown Denver on Saturday evening.
Celinda Levno had worked for American Airlines for more than three decades and was on a layover in Denver when she was the victim of a “senseless” attack on 16th Street Mall close to California Street at around 5:17 pm on January 11.
Levno was rushed to the hospital with serious throat injuries following the attack, but the Denver Police Department confirmed that she was pronounced deceased on arrival at the Emergency Room.
Levno was one of three lone pedestrians who were targeted by the suspect on Saturday evening. The first victim was stabbed on 16th Street Mall just five minutes before Levno was attacked, while a third victim was stabbed at around 5:54 pm. The two other victims are expected to survive.
Late on Sunday night, the Denver PD announced that another stabbing occurred in the 1600 block of Market St, resulting in the death of an adult male. A suspect has been taken into custody, although an investigation is ongoing to determine whether there is any link with Saturday evening’s stabbing attacks.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), which represents crew members at American Airlines, paid a heartfelt tribute to Levno, saying in a statement: “With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Phoenix-based Flight Attendant Celinda Levno while on a layover in Denver. Celinda began her career with America West in 1989.”
“Celinda’s love for her horses, friends, and family will always be remembered. We stand in support with Celinda’s family, friends, and our colleagues in Phoenix Inflight as they process this senseless tragedy.”
American Airlines has temporarily moved flight attendants out of their downtown Denver layover hotel after Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas warned people to be vigilant and not to go out alone.
In a separate statement, the airline said: “We are heartbroken and mourning the tragic loss of our colleague who was the victim of a senseless crime last night. Our thoughts and support are with her family, loved ones, and colleagues, and we are doing all we can to assist law enforcement in its investigation.”
Denver Police released a heavily pixilated surveillance camera picture of the stabbing suspect, who was wearing a face mask and a large green jacket. Metro Denver Crime Stoppers has offered up to $2,000 for information that will help identify the suspect.
