(SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH) — When a death occurs during air travel, the immediate investigations can intersect with immigration status, travel documents, and family unity—especially if the deceased, witnesses, or surviving relatives are noncitizens who must deal with CBP screening, visa validity, and urgent humanitarian travel.
On Thursday, January 1, 2026, authorities reported that Kyler Efinger, 30, died at Salt Lake City International Airport after entering the intake area of a Delta aircraft engine during deicing operations. Multiple agencies are investigating, including local police, the FAA, the NTSB, and the TSA. Publicly available reporting has not confirmed that a lawsuit has been filed.
Even without a filed civil case, families and key witnesses may need immigration process help quickly—most commonly humanitarian parole for urgent entry, expedited visitor visas, or consular documents for remains and personal effects.
Below is a step-by-step process explainer focused on U.S. immigration procedures that often arise after a sudden death connected to travel and an active federal investigation.
What this process accomplishes — and who typically needs it
These procedures are used to:
1. Bring a close family member to the United States on short notice.
2. Keep a noncitizen witness from falling out of status while cooperating with investigators.
3. Avoid travel document problems at ports of entry such as Salt Lake City International Airport.
People who often need these steps include:
– Immediate relatives abroad who must travel urgently for identification, funeral arrangements, or family support.
– Noncitizen witnesses who are in the U.S. on a short-term status and may need more time.
– Families managing cross-border logistics, including consular paperwork, property, and records.
Step-by-step: Immigration and travel actions after an incident under investigation
1) Identify each person’s current immigration posture
Start by listing each affected person and their current status.
Documents to gather:
– Passport biographic page and expiration date.
– Current U.S. visa (if any) and class (B-2, F-1, H-1B, etc.).
– I-94 record (download from CBP).
– Any pending USCIS receipt notices (Form I-797).
– Proof of relationship to the deceased (birth or marriage certificates).
Decision points:
– If the person is outside the U.S., the pathway is usually consular processing or humanitarian parole.
– If the person is inside the U.S., determine whether they can extend or change status, or whether departure creates risk.
Typical timing:
– Same day to 48 hours, depending on document access.
2) If a relative is abroad, choose between an emergency visa appointment and humanitarian parole
There are two common routes for urgent entry.
A. Emergency visitor visa appointment (B-2)
– Often the first option if the person can qualify for a B visa and is not barred.
– Key items:
– Valid passport
– DS-160 confirmation
– Visa fee receipt and appointment request
– Proof of emergency and purpose: death-related documentation, police contact info, or funeral home letter
– Potential delays:
– Local embassy appointment availability
– Security clearances for certain nationalities or prior immigration history
B. Humanitarian parole through USCIS
– Use when a visa is not feasible in time. Parole is discretionary and is filed with USCIS.
– Form:
– Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (with a parole request)
– Supporting documents:
– Proof of identity and relationship
– Medical, death, or emergency documentation
– Explanation of why a visa cannot be obtained quickly
– Evidence of financial support for the U.S. stay
Warning: Humanitarian parole is not a visa and is temporary. It does not create permanent status. Leaving after parole can trigger additional screening on return. Parole authority is generally tied to INA § 212(d)(5) and outcomes vary by facts and agency discretion.
3) Prepare for port-of-entry screening and secondary inspection risk
Even with a visa or parole document, CBP decides admission at the airport.
What to carry:
– Printed travel authorization, visa, or parole approval
– Contact information for investigators or official points of contact
– Funeral home or attorney letter describing the purpose of travel
– Proof of return plans and ability to pay costs
Common issues at airports:
– Inconsistent statements about the purpose of travel
– Missing relationship documents
– Prior overstays or removal orders
Warning: Do not guess during CBP questioning. If you do not know an answer, say so. Incorrect statements can create fraud findings and long-term consequences.
4) If a witness or family member is already in the U.S., protect lawful status
A noncitizen in the U.S. may want to remain to assist investigators. That can create timing problems.
Options may include:
– Extension of B-1/B-2 stay: Form I-539 with USCIS
– Change of status (fact-specific): often Form I-539
– Employer-based status planning if the person is in work status and travel is affected
Documents typically required:
– Current I-94
– Explanation letter tying the extension/change request to the situation
– Proof of funds and residence abroad
– Proof of the need to remain (communications from investigators, if available)
Typical timelines:
– USCIS processing can take months. A timely filed I-539 may allow the applicant to remain while it is pending, but travel can be risky during pending requests.
Decision point:
– Departing the U.S. while an application is pending may lead to abandonment, depending on the benefit and facts. Seek legal advice before leaving.
Remember: humanitarian parole is temporary and not a visa. Leaving the U.S. after parole can trigger extra screening on return; decisions depend on INA 212(d)(5) and agency discretion.
5) Coordinate with investigators without creating immigration exposure
When federal agencies are investigating, witnesses may be contacted.
Practical steps:
– Ask for the investigating office’s general contact line and case reference
– Keep copies of all communications
– If you fear criminal exposure, consult a criminal defense lawyer before giving statements
Immigration consequences can flow from criminal allegations, substance-related issues, or misrepresentation. Those topics are highly fact-specific.
6) Address documents for remains, personal effects, and consular needs
Consulates and local authorities often handle these logistics, but they affect travel.
Documents often requested:
– Death certificate or preliminary report (when available)
– Letter from the funeral home handling transport
– Next-of-kin authorization forms
Note: Immigration law does not control these steps directly, but timing can affect visa and parole requests.
7) Watch for common mistakes that trigger denials or long delays
Frequent errors include:
– Filing I-131 without a clear emergency narrative and proof that a visa is not timely available
– Incomplete translations or missing civil documents proving relationship
– Assuming a visa guarantees entry at Salt Lake City International Airport
– Letting a short-term status expire while “waiting for an interview” with investigators
– Posting inconsistent public statements that conflict with later sworn testimony
Deadline Watch: Many nonimmigrants have a fixed I-94 expiration date. File extension or change requests before that date, or unlawful presence issues may arise.
When attorney help is most important
Consult an experienced immigration attorney when:
– There are prior overstays, removals, or visa denials
– The traveler has arrests, charges, or substance-related history
– The situation involves minors, custody disputes, or complex family relationships
– A witness needs to remain in the U.S. beyond a short authorized stay
– Media attention increases the chance of secondary inspection issues
An attorney can coordinate with consular posts and create a clear documentary record. Rules can vary by jurisdiction and circuit case law, and CBP practices differ by port of entry.
Where to find official information
- EOIR Immigration Court information: justice.gov/eoir
- USCIS forms (I-131, I-539) and filing instructions: uscis.gov
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration law and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice about your specific situation.
Resources:
– AILA Lawyer Referral
This guide outlines the critical immigration steps following a death during air travel. It covers how families abroad can secure emergency entry through visas or humanitarian parole, how witnesses can protect their legal status while assisting investigators, and the documents required for CBP screening. It emphasizes avoiding common filing mistakes and the importance of legal counsel when navigating complex federal investigations and port-of-entry risks.
