Rain McMillan Walmsey became unresponsive during Flight 958, and the Los Angeles County medical examiner has deferred a ruling on his cause of death.
LOS ANGELES — A 22-year-old passenger died after suffering a medical emergency aboard a Southwest Airlines flight from Dallas to Los Angeles, authorities said, and investigators have not yet determined what caused his death.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office identified the passenger as Rain McMillan Walmsey. He became unresponsive aboard Southwest Flight 958 on Aug. 7 while the aircraft was traveling to Los Angeles International Airport, according to reports citing law enforcement sources. The medical examiner has deferred a determination on his cause of death while additional investigation is conducted.
CPR was administered to Walmsey during the flight after he went into medical distress, according to NBC Los Angeles. Paramedics responded after the aircraft arrived at LAX, but he could not be revived. Firefighters pronounced him dead at the scene. Officials have not disclosed what kind of medical emergency occurred before he became unresponsive.
Southwest Airlines confirmed that Flight 958 experienced a medical incident involving a customer during the Dallas-to-Los Angeles trip. The airline did not provide further details about the passenger’s condition or the circumstances surrounding the emergency and referred additional questions to local authorities.
The available reports did not indicate that Flight 958 diverted to another airport because of the emergency. Instead, emergency responders met the aircraft after it reached Los Angeles. Authorities have not released additional information about when during the flight Walmsey first experienced distress or how long efforts to revive him continued.
The medical examiner listed Walmsey’s cause of death as deferred, meaning a final determination is awaiting additional investigation. No manner of death had been listed in the available records. Officials also had not announced any specific illness, injury or medical condition as the cause of the emergency.
Authorities have released little information about Walmsey beyond his name and age. His background, place of residence and reason for traveling have not been publicly detailed. Officials also have not said whether he had a known medical condition before boarding the flight or whether any symptoms were reported before he became unresponsive.
No criminal investigation or aircraft safety problem has been announced in connection with the death. Southwest has characterized what happened as a customer medical incident, and available reporting does not establish that any problem with the aircraft contributed to the emergency.
The medical examiner’s investigation remains the central unresolved part of the case. Until that review is completed, officials have not attributed Walmsey’s death to a particular disease, injury or other cause, and no timetable for a final determination has been publicly announced.
Author note: Last updated August 10, 2026.