In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the family of Stephanie Cosme, an Air Force contractor, has initiated legal action against Sumaria Systems LLC and others. The lawsuit, filed in December 2024, alleges that Cosme endured severe racial and gender-based harassment during her employment, which they believe contributed to her untimely death in September 2023. According to the complaint, Cosme, a 32-year-old test engineer, was allegedly subjected to hazardous working conditions by her supervisor, Derek Kirkendall. The company and Kirkendall deny any wrongdoing or liability.
Details of the Incident and Legal Allegations
On a fateful day in early autumn, on September 7, 2023, at Gray Butte Airfield in Palmdale, California, Stephanie Cosme tragically lost her life after inadvertently walking into the spinning propeller of a parked MQ-9A aircraft. This incident occurred while she was conducting a ground developmental test. The official Air Force accident report, released in April 2024, identified multiple factors contributing to the mishap. It highlighted improper instructions regarding telemetry readings from the loaded weapons on the aircraft while the engines were running and a loss of situational awareness. Additionally, poor communication among the test team and rushed tests due to prior delays played significant roles.
The Cosme family's legal complaint goes beyond the technical aspects of the accident, alleging that Cosme faced severe harassment from her supervisor, Derek Kirkendall, in the weeks leading up to her death. They claim he referred to her as "lazy" and placed her in unsafe situations without adequate training. Despite these allegations, the official investigation did not cite race or gender-based discrimination. However, the family's attorney, Debra Katz, emphasized the employer's legal obligation to address such issues. She stated that this responsibility was not fulfilled, resulting in devastating consequences.
Stephanie Cosme, born in Fontana, California, and raised in Palmdale, leaves behind her parents, siblings, fiancé, and stepdaughter. Her obituary speaks volumes about her character, describing her as someone with an innate ability to make people feel special and valued. Her gentle spirit and radiant smile brought comfort and joy to all who knew her.
From a journalist's perspective, this case underscores the critical importance of fostering a safe and inclusive work environment. Employers must take proactive measures to prevent discrimination and harassment, ensuring that every employee feels respected and protected. Stephanie Cosme's tragic story serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impact of workplace misconduct and the need for accountability and change.