Bodies found in JetBlue plane’s wheel well were Dominican Republic teens

The two stowaways discovered dead in the wheel well of a JetBlue plane at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport earlier this month have been identified as teenagers from the Dominican Republic, according to authorities.

Relatives of the deceased, identified as Jeik Anilus Lusi and 16-year-old Elvis Borquez Castillo, confirmed their identities through photographs and DNA testing, NBC 6 South Florida reported. The tragic discovery was made on January 6 during a routine post-flight inspection. Investigators determined that both teens died from asphyxiation due to a lack of oxygen while concealed in the aircraft’s landing gear compartment.

Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) detectives recently traveled to the Dominican Republic to work with local investigators and the teens’ families. One relative, Nelson René, stated that his 17-year-old family member, Jey Anilu, had been missing since January 3. Some in the community suspected that Anilu and two others had planned to escape the country. Authorities, however, have not officially linked Anilu to the case.