A settlement has been approved for a Southern California couple who sued JetBlue Airways after a block of ice fell from an aircraft through their roof on New Year's Day in 2024.
Michael Reese and Leah Ferrarini were at their Inglewood home when a large chunk of ice crashed through their roof directly above their bed shortly after 8:00 p.m., narrowly missing them.
The flight had originated in New York and was en route to Los Angeles International Airport.
While the specific settlement amount remains undisclosed, court papers from JetBlue's attorneys indicate the plaintiffs claimed over $11,000 for roof damage and approximately $5,600 for therapy.
Reese also asserted $84,000 in lost earnings due to being off work from May 2024 to February 2025.
Torrance Superior Court Judge Alan B. Honeycutt approved the settlement on Wednesday.
JetBlue lawyers stated the agreement was fair to both sides, though they maintained the airline possessed "compelling defenses to contest liability" had the case proceeded to trial.
An investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration into the aircraft's maintenance records revealed a history of potable water issues dating back to July 2023.
The FAA also linked the aircraft to a similar incident in Massachusetts, the couple alleged, where falling ice damaged a home in August 2023.
The couple, who filed their negligence/trespass suit in October 2024, expressed that they no longer feel safe in their home due to the persistent fear of being struck by falling debris.