Nigerian, Gunseye Adekunle Dies At JFK Airport In New York

A Nigerian by the name Gunseye Adekunle died from a heart attack at JFK last Saturday after paramedics were delayed by inoperative security badges at the newly renovated, $1.4 billion Terminal 4, the Post reports.

The 50-year-old Nigerian was preparing to board an Arik Air flight to Nigeria when he went into cardiac arrest. A Port Authority police emergency operator got the call around 6:30 a.m. and was told Adekunle was “unresponsive” but breathing. A Port Authority ambulance was immediately dispatched, but the Paramedics and Fire department was unable to enter the terminal because their security card wasn't working.

Finally, Adekunle was transported from the terminal to the FDNY ambulance after another alternate entry was found and then taken to Jamaica Hospital, where he was declared dead. A Port Authority spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A spokesperson at the airport said that the incident is under investigation. As of now, no changes have been made to the security doors or to Port Authority personnel's badges.