Authorities are investigating the possibility that a US Airways flight attendant who died during a layover in Mexico City was murdered. The 33-year-old employee, who was based out of Phoenix, was found dead in his hotel room, stripped naked and tied up.

The AP reports that the Association of Flight Attendants Council 66 said in a statement that there did not appear to be a safety breach at the hotel but that, for now, crews will stay elsewhere during Mexico City layovers.

In the statement, the union expressed sorrow for the victim’s friend and family.

An excerpt:

It is with great sadness we inform you that Phoenix Flight Attendant Nick Aaronson was found dead in his hotel room in Mexico City early this morning. While an investigation is underway, our priority at this time is to provide support for Nick’s family and our crewmembers.

Preliminary findings do not indicate a safety breach at the hotel. Therefore, we do not believe our crew members are at risk. However, until this matter is resolved, layover crews will be temporarily relocated to an alternative location.

Nick Aaronson, U.S. Airways Flight Attendant, Found Dead In Mexico City [AP via Huffington Post]

AFA Council 66 eCommunication – October 30, 2011 [AFA Council 66]

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