Delta Flight Attendant Tries to Kill Co-Worker After Getting Drunk

A routine layover in New Orleans spiraled into chaos for a Delta Airlines flight crew when a night out turned violent, leaving one flight attendant hospitalized and another behind bars.

Joshua Smith, 36, is facing multiple felony charges, including attempted second-degree murder, after allegedly attacking a fellow crew member in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The altercation, which unfolded inside a hotel near the French Quarter, has sent shockwaves through the airline industry.

It all started innocently enough. Smith and several colleagues had been enjoying a night on Bourbon Street, a common stopover for airline crews seeking to unwind. But by the time the group returned to their hotel around 3:15 a.m., things had taken a dark turn.

According to police, Smith began behaving erratically as they made their way to their rooms. One female co-worker, whose identity has not been disclosed, noticed his strange demeanor and offered to help him back to his room.

Instead of accepting her help, Smith allegedly became aggressive.

An argument quickly escalated into violence. Smith, reportedly intoxicated to the point of blackout, grabbed a sharp object and slashed the woman in the arm and neck. Bleeding and terrified, she managed to escape and fled to a different floor of the hotel, seeking safety.

But Smith wasn’t done.

He pursued her through the hotel, and when a security guard tried to intervene, Smith allegedly attacked him as well, slicing the guard’s thumb in the process.

Authorities have not disclosed the exact weapon used in the attack, but witnesses described it as “sharp and dangerous.”

The injured flight attendant was rushed to a local hospital, where she remains in stable condition. The security guard was treated for minor injuries.

Police arrested Smith at the scene and charged him with attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and simple battery. He is currently being held without bail.

Smith’s attorney, Thomas Calogero, told reporters that his client has no recollection of the incident.

“Joshua was out with friends, drinking like many do when they visit New Orleans. Unfortunately, he drank too much and blacked out,” Calogero said. “He has no memory of the events that transpired.”

Delta Airlines released a brief statement addressing the incident:

“We are aware of the situation involving one of our employees and are cooperating fully with local authorities. The safety and well-being of our crew members is our top priority.”

The airline has not commented on Smith’s employment status, but sources within the company suggest he has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of excessive drinking, particularly in a city known for its party culture. Local residents expressed shock over the attack.

“Bourbon Street is known for wild nights, but this is on another level,” said hotel guest Marie Thompson, who was staying two floors below where the incident occurred. “You don’t expect something like this from airline staff.”

As the investigation unfolds, Smith’s future—both legal and professional—remains uncertain. If convicted, he faces significant prison time.

For now, one thing is clear: the skies are the least of Smith’s worries.