Delta Vows to Repair Wheelchair of Ms. Wheelchair America 2026

Airline apologizes after Latavia Sturdivant says her specialized wheelchair was damaged during a flight.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Delta Airlines has apologized and promised to fully cover the cost of repairing the wheelchair of Latavia Sturdivant, who was crowned Ms. Wheelchair America 2026. Sturdivant says her specialized wheelchair was damaged during a recent Delta flight, leaving her unable to travel and do her advocacy work.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges that people with disabilities face when traveling by air, and the importance of airlines properly handling and caring for specialized mobility equipment. Sturdivant's wheelchair is essential for her daily life and advocacy work, so the damage has significantly impacted her ability to get around and continue her important activities.

The details

Sturdivant, a resident of Yonkers, New York, was traveling home from an event when she says her wheelchair was damaged by Delta during the flight. The wheelchair is specially designed to keep her body properly aligned and prevent medical issues. Without it, Sturdivant is unable to leave her home and continue her work as Ms. Wheelchair America 2026.

  • Sturdivant's wheelchair was damaged during a recent Delta flight.

The players

Latavia Sturdivant

The reigning Ms. Wheelchair America 2026, whose specialized wheelchair was damaged during a Delta flight, leaving her unable to travel and continue her advocacy work.

Delta Airlines

The airline that Sturdivant was traveling with when her wheelchair was damaged. Delta has apologized for the incident and promised to fully cover the cost of repairing the wheelchair.

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What they’re saying

“There is no other chair that I can use because it keeps my body in proper alignment, prevents me from having contractions and so Delta needs to do better in taking proper care of our wheelchairs.”

— Latavia Sturdivant (abc7chicago.com)

“Delta understands the fundamental impact that any damaged mobility aid has on an individual and their daily life. We sincerely apologize for this customer's experience that did not live up to our standards, and we are in touch with them to ensure we make things right.”

— Delta Airlines (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

Delta has said it will cover the full cost of repairing Sturdivant's wheelchair, but it is unclear how long the repair process will take and when she will be able to resume her advocacy work.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of airlines properly handling and caring for the specialized mobility equipment of passengers with disabilities. It also highlights the significant impact that damage to such equipment can have on an individual's daily life and ability to participate in their community.