PHOENIX — A flight attendant from Phoenix was stabbed to death during a layover in Denver, close family and airline officials confirmed.
Family identified her as 71-year-old Celinda Levno. She was reportedly one of three people stabbed by an unknown man in the 16th Street Mall, a mile-long, outdoor pedestrian area located in the heart of downtown Denver.
“We are all beyond heartbroken about the loss of our beloved Celinda Anne,” Josephine Dale, a close friend of Levno’s told us. “She was truly the most incredible and kind woman out there.
Although Denver police were unable to release the identities of the victims, Levno’s employer, American Airlines, confirmed her passing.
“There’s someone out there who is indiscriminately stabbing people and causing significant harm,” Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said.
Thomas said two men were stabbed and suffered non-life threatening injuries. According to his report, one woman was stabbed and transported to Denver Health Medical but did not survive.
UPDATE: The suspect will be formally arrested for this homicide and for the three stabbings that occurred along 16th St. Saturday evening between 5-6PM. He hasn’t been booked into jail yet, so his ID will be released Monday morning. The investigations are ongoing.
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) January 13, 2025
“We have been able to link all three of those incidents based on video, suspect descriptions that have been provided to us,” Thomas said.
Denver police said the suspect, who has yet to be identified, will be formally arrested and face homicide charges, as well as charges related to the three stabbings.
‘This is a devastating loss’
Levno recently celebrated her 35th Anniversary as a flight attendant. She started her career in 1989 working for America West Airlines, but most recently worked for American Airlines.
American Airlines confirmed the incident and shared this statement with 12News:
“We are heartbroken and mourning the tragic loss of our colleague who was the victim of a senseless crime last night. 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.”
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) also commented on Levno’s death calling it a “senseless tragedy” in a release shared on Sunday.
The full statement from APFA is below:
“With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Phoenix-based Flight Attendant Celinda Levno while on layover in Denver. Celinda began her career with America West in 1989.Celinda’s love for her horses, friends, and family will always be remembered. We stand in support with Celinda’s family, friends, and our colleagues in Phoenix Inflight as they process this senseless tragedy. While this tragic event did not take place at the layover hotel, crews laying over in downtown Denver will be temporarily relocated to a hotel near the Denver airport.APFA Employee Assistance (EAP) is available to help Flight Attendants process this unexpected tragic loss.”
“Everything she did was for everyone else. A true animal lover, and a phenomenal musician. Overall, just an amazing woman. This is a devastating loss to everyone who knew her. She will now be with us every stride and her love for horses will be carried on through all of us,” Josephine Dale concluded.
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