Man hit by L.A.-bound plane on Denver runway is ID'd. Questions on his motivation swirl

Officials have identified the man who walked in front of an L.A.-bound Frontier Airlines plane during takeoff and was fatally struck by its engine, which burst into flames upon impact, forcing an emergency evacuation and injuring a dozen passengers.

Michael Mott, 41, died from multiple blunt force injuries in the collision on the Denver International Airport runway Friday night, according to Denver Chief Medical Examiner Sterling McLaren. His manner of death was ruled a suicide, but officials have not recovered a note, she said.

Mott had been arrested 20 times in the state of Colorado on suspicion of violent felonies including attempted murder, domestic violence and assault, according to court records obtained by the California Post. Most recently, he was arrested on suspicion of trespassing, damaging property and resisting arrest in Colorado Springs, the Post reported.

Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas did not discuss Mott’s extensive criminal history at a news conference Tuesday morning but noted that investigators were reaching out to his family and those who knew him seeking additional information about his motivations. Thomas asked anyone who was in contact with Mott prior to the incident to contact the department.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-05-12/man-hit-by-l-a-bound-plane-on-denver-runway-is-identified-questions-on-motivation