Family of Irish Plane Crash Victim Awarded $29m in Damages

A Chicago jury in the United States awarded $29 million (about £21.5 million) to the family of Michael "Mick" Ryan, an Irish employee of the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme who died in the Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX crash in 2019.

Ryan’s widow, Naoise Connolly Ryan, brought a civil suit against Boeing after the tragic loss of the 157 passengers and crew. The judgment, described by her lawyers as a “measure of accountability and justice,” was a significant moment for those who believe the manufacturer must face legal consequences for the fatal crashes.

Boeing’s spokesperson said the company was “deeply sorry” and respects the right of grieving families to pursue claims. Yet the court’s decision is deemed a milestone that underscores the seriousness of the safety issues that led to the flight’s failure.

Michael Ryan was a civil engineer with the World Food Programme, building shelters and infrastructure in Bangladesh to protect Rohingya refugees from landslides, and creating medical centres in Liberia during the Ebola outbreak. He was a father of two and lived in Cork, Ireland.

Lawyer Steven C. Marks, who represented Connolly Ryan, said the family had pursued justice with extraordinary strength and called the verdict a strike against Boeing’s record. Marks added that the broader effort to prevent similar tragedies is “just as important.”

The crash, which occurred 30 miles southeast of Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport on 10 March 2019, was rooted in a malfunctioning flight‑control sensor that repeatedly forced the aircraft’s nose down. U.N. investigators noted that both pilots had attempted to disengage the system, but the aircraft ultimately crashed.

The verdict marks a key change in accountability for aircraft manufacturers in the wake of the 2019 737 MAX crisis. Families of survivors from Ethiopian Airlines and Lion Air continue to seek justice, and the outcome may influence future safety regulations.