Honolulu, Hawaii — The death of a Southwest Airlines flight attendant who was found outside a hotel on Waikiki Beach has been ruled a suicide, according to a report citing the Honolulu medical examiner’s office. However, police say the investigation remains active, leaving questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.

Jenny Lupton, a 50-year-old mother from Oklahoma, was found dead near a dumpster at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in the early hours of August 20 while on a layover in Hawaii. Her family had called for a thorough investigation, saying they did not believe she had intentionally taken her own life.

The medical examiner’s office confirmed to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that Lupton died from multiple injuries sustained in a fall from the hotel’s 24th floor.

Medical Examiner Rules on Jenny Lupton’s Death

Lupton’s death was initially met with uncertainty as her family sought answers about what happened during her stay in Hawaii.

The medical examiner’s ruling identifies the death as a suicide, but the Honolulu Police Department has emphasized that its investigation has not concluded.

Police previously told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that detectives were conducting interviews, reviewing and recovering surveillance footage, and examining evidence as part of their investigation.

The continuing investigation means authorities are still examining the circumstances surrounding the fatal fall. The publicly reported ruling does not, by itself, answer every question raised by her family.

No further details about the investigation were included in the information provided in the initial report.

Family Questioned the Circumstances of Her Death

Lupton’s relatives said they struggled to understand how the devoted mother of a 15-year-old son could have died under these circumstances.

Her sister, Tresa Lupton, said the family believed the death may have resulted from an accident or that another person may have been involved.

“We strongly believe that she didn’t do this intentionally, and so that leads us to think it was either some kind of freak accident or someone harmed her,” Tresa told in August.

“We just want to know what happened. It doesn’t feel real.”

The family’s statements reflect their concerns and their desire for further answers. Police have not announced findings that establish another person’s involvement, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Her Final Messages Described a Happy Hotel Stay

According to her sister, Lupton had been sending regular text messages to family members with updates about her stay in Hawaii.

She had reportedly gone out with a fellow flight attendant, danced and enjoyed the evening. Her relatives also said she had recently started getting a tattoo and was looking forward to returning to have it completed.

“She just went out with one of her flight attendant friends, and they danced and had a good time,” Tresa said.

“She had just gotten a tattoo hours before this happened, and she messaged me. She said that when she gets back, she’s going to have it colored in because it was just the outline.”

The messages have become part of the family’s account of Lupton’s final hours. Her relatives have pointed to these details as reasons they want a clearer understanding of what happened.

A Flight Attendant Remembered by Her Family

Lupton spent nearly three decades working as a flight attendant, with most of her career at Southwest Airlines.

Her niece, Hannah Lupton, said she had followed in her aunt’s footsteps by becoming a flight attendant herself. In an August social media post, Hannah remembered her aunt as someone who brought happiness to the people around her.

“She was truly the best aunt anyone could have asked for,” Hannah wrote. “She was the light of every party, the person who could make a room brighter simply by being in it. She had a personality that was impossible to forget, and if you knew her, you probably have a funny story about her.”

Southwest Airlines also expressed its condolences following Lupton’s death.

Oklahoma Man Faces Murder Charge After Alleged Drunk Driving Crash Kills 65-Year-Old Grandfather

The airline said it had “offered our condolences and support to the employee’s family and coworkers” and was “engaged with local authorities as they investigate.”

Police Investigation Remains Active

Although the medical examiner has ruled Lupton’s death a suicide, Honolulu police have said their investigation remains active and ongoing.

Detectives have been reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing people and examining evidence. Authorities have not publicly provided a final account of the events that led to the fatal fall.

For Lupton’s family, the search for answers continues as they grieve the loss of a mother, sister and aunt who spent much of her life working in aviation.

Further information from investigators may clarify the circumstances surrounding her death.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in emotional distress in the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, available 24/7.

What do you think families need most when they are left with unanswered questions after a sudden loss? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.