CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — Eyewitness News is learning more about what may have happened to a Charlotte teenager who was found dead in Massachusetts if he did stow away in the wheel well of an airplane, which is one theory that police have looked into.
Eyewitness News' affiliate in Boston reported that law enforcement sources are nearly certain Delvonte Tisdale stowed away in a jet and died when landing gear was lowered outside of Boston. Sources tell the TV station that aviation grease was found on the 16-year-old's pants.
Pilots and an aerodynamic expert told Eyewitness News that if Tisdale was a stowaway, he most likely died soon after he made it onto the plane. They said he may have passed out from a lack of oxygen or been overcome by the cold temperatures at the high altitude.
Robert Johnson, the dean of engineering at UNC Charlotte, said a plane flying from North Carolina to Boston usually flies above 35,000 feet.
"The rule of thumb is zero to 10,000 feet is where most of us can live comfortably," Johnson said.
Tisdale's body was found in Milton, Mass., on Nov. 15 in an area that is on the approach path for planes landing at Boston's airport. His body suffered massive trauma, including several broken bones.
Eyewitness News contacted Charlotte Douglas International Airport about the case. A spokeswoman said the airport is not a part of the investigation.
Previous Stories: November 24, 2010: Vigil Honors Charlotte Teen Found Dead After Mysterious Disappearance November 23, 2010: Police Look Into Possibility Teen Fell From Plane
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