FLIGHT ATTENDANT FOUND DEAD IN HAWAII AFTER APPARENT 24TH-FLOOR FALL AS FAMILY SEEKS ANSWERS

HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 50-year-old Southwest Airlines flight attendant was found dead during a work layover in Hawaii, leaving her family searching for answers as police investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

Jenny Lupton, of Moore, Oklahoma, was found dead on Aug. 20 at a Waikiki hotel after authorities told her family that she appeared to have fallen from the hotel’s 24th-floor balcony. The Honolulu Police Department has launched an unattended-death investigation and has not determined how or why she fell.

SHE HAD BEEN ENJOYING HER HAWAII TRIP

Lupton had traveled to Hawaii for work and was planning to remain there for several days.

Her niece, Hannah Lupton, told PEOPLE that Jenny appeared to be in good spirits throughout the trip. She had spent time with another flight attendant, went out dancing and continued communicating with family members.

Just hours before her death, Jenny was reportedly still sending pictures to relatives, including photos of a new tattoo.

“She had a great time,” Hannah said of her aunt’s trip.

Those final communications have become particularly significant to the family as they try to understand what happened.

POLICE HAVE NOT REACHED A CONCLUSION

The Honolulu Police Department said detectives are conducting interviews, reviewing and recovering surveillance footage, and examining evidence.

Authorities have emphasized that no conclusion has been made regarding the manner of Lupton’s death.

The medical examiner’s office has also not yet determined an official cause or manner of death. A final determination could take several months.

Family members have been told that Lupton appeared to have fallen from the 24th floor, but they are still waiting to learn exactly how the incident occurred.

HER FAMILY DOES NOT BELIEVE THE STORY IS COMPLETE

Lupton’s relatives have publicly questioned the circumstances surrounding her death.

Hannah said the family does not believe Jenny died by suicide and is considering the possibility of either an accident or outside involvement.

She said Jenny was deeply loved, had a strong support system and had plans for when she returned home.

The family is therefore waiting for investigators to determine whether the evidence supports any explanation beyond an accidental fall.

A MOTHER WHO LIVED FOR HER SON

Outside of her career, Jenny’s greatest priority was her 15-year-old son.

Hannah described her aunt as a devoted mother who wanted to be involved in her son’s football, baseball and everyday life.

Her death has left her teenage son and the rest of her family facing an enormous loss while the investigation continues.

SHE INSPIRED HER NIECE TO FLY

Jenny had worked as a flight attendant for nearly 29 years, spending most of that time with Southwest Airlines.

Her passion for the profession also inspired Hannah to pursue the same career.

According to Hannah, Jenny helped her prepare for flight-attendant training and eventually attended her graduation ceremony, where she received her wings.

The two even had opportunities to fly together.

FAMILY STILL WAITING FOR ANSWERS

Jenny’s relatives plan to return to Hawaii to bring her home to Oklahoma.

Her family and friends have also organized financial and community support following her death.

For those who knew Jenny, the focus now is on remembering the woman they loved while allowing investigators time to determine what happened.

She arrived in Hawaii for a work layover and appeared to be enjoying her time there. Days later, her family was facing a devastating mystery.

The official cause and manner of Jenny Lupton’s death remain undetermined.

Until investigators complete their work, the central question remains: what happened during the final moments of the beloved flight attendant’s life?