Stowaway found dead inside American Airlines flight landing gear at Charlotte airport

A stowaway was found dead Sunday inside the landing gear of an American Airlines flight from Europe to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, according to police.

Maintenance crews found the person's body around 9 a.m., and airport division officers declared the stowaway dead on scene, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said, ABC News reported.

American Airlines told the news outlet in a statement, "We are working with law enforcement on its investigation."

Charlotte Airport authorities said regarding the incident, "We are deeply saddened by this news and will support the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's (CMPD) investigation as needed. Airport operations continue as normal."