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Vilma SolteszAmerican Woman Who Was Turned Down by Three Airlines Because of Her Weight
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Death of Wilma Soltesz: Three Airlines Accused of Negligence
- Amputation and Diabetes
- Struggle for Medical Attention
- Uncaring Airline Staff
- Husband's Grief and Determination
- Distrust in Hungarian Healthcare
Death of Wilma Soltesz: Three Airlines Accused of Negligence
Denied Boarding Due to WeightWilma Soltesz, a 56-year-old American woman, passed away on October 24, 2012, after being denied boarding on multiple flights due to her weight. Her husband, Janos Soltesz, alleges that the negligence of three airlines—Delta, KLM, and Lufthansa—led to his wife's untimely demise.
Amputation and Diabetes
Weighing 407 pounds, Soltesz was considered "oversize" by the airlines. She had previously undergone a leg amputation due to diabetes and also suffered from kidney disease. Despite her medical conditions, Soltesz was denied boarding because she could not fit into a single seat and the aircraft did not have seatbelt extenders available.
Struggle for Medical Attention
The Solteszes were in Hungary visiting their family home when Wilma's health deteriorated. She needed immediate medical attention in the United States, but numerous attempts to fly home were met with rejection. After being refused by Delta and KLM, the couple approached Lufthansa, which initially allowed Wilma to board but then forced her off the plane due to her inability to secure her seatbelt.
Uncaring Airline Staff
Wilma's attorney, Holly Ostrov-Ronai, condemned the airlines' lack of compassion. Despite her medical urgency, Wilma was treated with indifference and left stranded in foreign airports. She emphasized that if an airline was able to accommodate Wilma's arrival in Hungary, she should have had the same right to return.
Husband's Grief and Determination
Janos Soltesz is devastated by the loss of his wife. He is determined to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. While the airlines have sought to deflect responsibility, the Soltesz family is preparing a lawsuit.
Distrust in Hungarian Healthcare
It is noteworthy that Wilma expressed a desire to return to the United States for medical care, indicating her lack of trust in Hungarian healthcare. Her distrust was ultimately justified, as she was denied the dignity and respect she deserved by the aviation industry.
