The family of an Air Force contractor who tragically died after walking into a moving aircraft propeller in 2023 has filed a lawsuit. They claim that she faced racial and gender-based harassment during her time at work, which they believe contributed to the circumstances leading to her death.
The legal complaint, lodged against Sumaria Systems LLC and others in December 2024 in Los Angeles County, says Stephanie Cosme, a 32-year-old test engineer, was subjected to hazardous work conditions by her supervisor, Derek Kirkendall. It is alleged that Kirkendall asked Cosme to perform a dangerous task that went against safety protocols, resulting in fatal injuries.
Cosme’s family lawyers assert that Kirkendall has previous instances of discrimination against Hispanic and female employees. Cosme was of Puerto Rican and Mexican heritage.
The law firm representing the defendants, Saul Ewing, has publicly denied any wrongdoing or liability related to the case.
Stephanie Cosme passed away on September 7, 2023, at Gray Butte Airfield in Palmdale, California, when she accidentally walked into the propeller of a stationary MQ-9A drone while conducting a ground developmental test. An Air Force accident report released in April 2024 mentioned that Cosme may not have received proper training on telemetry readings taken with the engines running.
The report also highlighted issues such as poor communication within the test team and rushed tests due to prior delays as contributing factors to the incident. Although the investigation did not find evidence of discrimination, the Cosme family claims that Kurtkendall’s harassing behavior intensified in the weeks before her death, including calling her “lazy” and assigning her unsafe tasks that she was not properly trained for.
Debra Katz, the family’s attorney, stated that employers have a responsibility to address discrimination and harassment in the workplace. She emphasized that this duty was not met in Cosme’s case, leading to tragic results. Katz underscored that the unacceptable behavior which led to Stephanie’s death should not go unpunished.
Stephanie Cosme was originally from Fontana, California, and raised in Palmdale. She is remembered fondly by her family, who describe her as someone who had a remarkable ability to uplift those around her, showcasing love, warmth, and a vibrant spirit. She is survived by her family, including her fiancé and stepdaughter.
