In the audiothe ramp baggage agent, who is employed by Menzies Aviation, is heard saying, "I'm inside this plane! Alaska Airlines Flight 448," to a dispatcher.  The flight was forced to make an emergency landing.

During a team huddle on Monday, the leader  noticed the employee was missing. The leader called into the cargo hold for the employee, called and texted the employee's cellphone, but didn't get a response. His co-workers  believed he had ended his shift and gone home.

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Airline officials said the employee passed a drug test Monday afternoon, after being checked by doctors at Highline Medical Center.

“He told first responders who spoke with him that he boarded the cargo hold and was taking a nap prior to the aircraft taking off,” said Bobbie Egan, Alaska Airlines spokeswoman.

According to Egan, "Immediately after take-off, the pilot of Alaska Airlines Flight 448, bound for Los Angeles, reported hearing banging from beneath the aircraft."

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com