American pilot shot dead outside Puerto Rico strip club
An American Airlines pilot was shot dead after apparently being hit by a stray bullet during a shootout in Puerto Rico.
Police told the AP it believes Matthew Stapula from North Carolina was smoking outside a strip club and was hit in the crossfire.
He was on a layover at the time.
The shootout occurred between a customer of the club and four bouncers.
According to police Lt. Angel Martinez, a customer disputed a bill and went home, grabbed a gun and returned.
Customer Ruben Aleman Hernandez was shot dead in the gunfight with the bouncers, which police have said was justified homicide.
One bouncer was shot and injured in the leg.
"He was outside smoking, in the exchange of shots he was mortally wounded and died," said police spokesman Juan Garcia.
An autopsy is being carried out to determine who shot Stapula.
"We have mobilized teams to provide care to his family, as well as fellow team members during this difficult time. Local law enforcement is investigating this incident. We are providing any investigative assistance possible," the airline said in a statement.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
What’s new on Route 66 in Arizona
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Qatar Airways expands connectivity to the USA and South America with Aer Lingus and LEVEL
Skyscanner reveals major travel trends 2026 at ITB Asia