Flair's CFO charged with involuntary manslaughter after deadly crash

An executive at Flair Airlines is facing involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with a fatal crash involving an underage driver who had been drinking at his Atlanta-area home.

Sumanth Rao, who was hired by the Edmonton-based low-cost carrier August, was charged this month along with his wife Anindita Rao, according to reports.

In addition to involuntary manslaughter, both were also charged with reckless conduct and maintaining a disorderly house, according to a grand jury indictment released by Sherry Boston, the district attorney for DeKalb County.

The charges come after Hannah Hackemeyer, 18, was charged earlier this year with impaired driving and vehicular homicide after leaving a Feb. 24 party at the Rao home and crashing her car. Passenger Sophia Lekiachvili, 18, was killed, while Ananya Rao survived.

As reported by the Globe and Mail, the indictment claims the Raos allowed an “atmosphere that encouraged underage alcohol consumption” for 10 months preceding the fatal crash.

Boston announced the charges at a press conference on Dec. 4, describing the Rao’s house as a regular party spot where teens drank and disturbed the neighbours.

The indictment contains allegations that have not been proven in court.

Manny Arora, a lawyer for the Raos, says the couple will plead not guilty at an arraignment, a date for which has not been set, the Globe reports.

In a statement to the Canadian Press, Flair said it was aware of the situation and had put measures in place “to ensure operational continuity” as the court case unfolds.

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