A Phoenix-based flight attendant died during a layover in Denver, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants announced Sunday.
Celinda Levno, 71, passed away between Saturday night and Sunday morning from a “senseless tragedy,” AFPA said. She was a veteran flight attendant, serving with America West, which later merged with American Airlines, for over three decades.
“We stand in support with Celinda’s family, friends, and our colleagues in Phoenix Inflight as they process this senseless tragedy,” a statement from AFPA said.
To her friends and family, Levno was known as a kind woman, an incredible musician and a true animal lover.
“Everything she did was for everyone else,” wrote Josephine Dale, a close friend of Levno’s, in a statement to The Arizona Republic. “She will now be with us every stride, and her love for horses will be carried on through all of us.”
According to Levno’s Facebook page, she was an avid flutist and adored horses.
While circumstances around Levno’s death and cause of death have not been released, American Airlines said she was the victim of a “senseless crime” and that law enforcement is actively investigating.
The Denver Police Department did not respond to a request for comment Sunday night.
“We are heartbroken and mourning the tragic loss of our colleague who was the victim of a senseless crime last night,” a statement from American Airlines read. “Our thoughts and support are with her family, loved ones and colleagues, and we are doing all we can to assist law enforcement in its investigation.”
AFPA also said the crew traveling with Levno was relocated to a hotel closer to the Denver airport, even though the incident did not occur at the downtown Denver hotel where the crew was originally staying.
Levno leaves behind a husband and sister, according to Dale’s Facebook post.
Further details have not been released.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix flight attendant Celinda Levno died during Denver layover