A horrifying incident at Denver International Airport has stunned the United States after authorities revealed the identity of the man who was sucked into a Frontier Airlines jet engine — along with disturbing details about his violent criminal history stretching back more than two decades.

The dead man was identified as 41-year-old Michael Mott. According to Colorado officials, Mott allegedly climbed over a nearly eight-foot security fence topped with barbed wire late Friday night before making his way onto the active runway at Denver International Airport.

At that exact moment, a Frontier Airlines Airbus A321neo was accelerating for takeoff on a flight bound for Los Angeles.

Security footage reportedly captured the chilling moment Mott appeared directly in the aircraft’s path only seconds before the jet engine pulled him inside. The violent impact triggered flames from the aircraft’s right engine, while terrified passengers inside the cabin described hearing a massive explosion followed by intense shaking throughout the plane.

Panic erupted almost instantly.

More than 230 passengers onboard were forced to evacuate using emergency slides as smoke spread through parts of the aircraft. Witnesses described screaming, confusion, and chaos unfolding on the runway as emergency crews rushed toward the burning engine.

Several passengers later claimed they saw horrifying debris trapped inside the engine after the collision. At least a dozen people suffered injuries during the emergency evacuation, with multiple victims transported to nearby hospitals.

But the tragedy became even darker after Michael Mott’s criminal background surfaced publicly.

Court records revealed that Mott had reportedly been arrested more than 20 times since 2002 on charges ranging from theft, trespassing, DUI offenses, and domestic violence to far more serious violent crimes.

One of the most shocking cases dates back to 2005, when Mott was accused of attempted murder involving a firearm. Prosecutors later reduced the charge, and he ultimately pleaded guilty to second-degree assault causing serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon. He was sentenced to six years in prison.

Authorities say Mott continued getting into trouble even while incarcerated. Records allegedly show additional accusations involving violent assaults and even an attempted prison escape years later.

After his release, his arrest history reportedly continued to grow, including accusations involving burglary, resisting arrest, hit-and-run incidents, assaults on police officers, and felony trespassing.

Even more alarming, reports say Mott had been arrested only weeks before the airport tragedy in connection with another felony trespassing and property destruction case in Colorado Springs — but was later released.

Newly released mugshots showed a gaunt-looking Michael Mott with long hair, facial injuries, and an expression many online described as “haunting.”

Investigators now believe the runway incident may have been an intentional act.

The medical examiner confirmed Mott died from “multiple blunt and sharp force injuries,” while officials stated no suicide note was found at the scene. Detectives are now reviewing his recent movements, digital records, and personal belongings in an attempt to understand what led to the horrifying final moments.

The incident has also triggered intense backlash over airport security failures at one of America’s busiest airports.

Denver airport officials admitted that perimeter alarms were activated shortly before the tragedy unfolded. However, security cameras reportedly showed what appeared to be deer moving near the fencing area, causing responders to initially dismiss the alert.

Aviation security experts now warn the breach raises serious concerns about how easily individuals may still gain access to restricted runway areas despite extensive federal security systems.

As investigators continue piecing together the final moments before the deadly collision, one chilling question continues haunting many Americans:

What was going through Michael Mott’s mind as he walked alone through the darkness toward a speeding passenger jet moments before the engine consumed him?