MIAMI -- A man who crashed a sport utility vehicle into a Ford dealership showroom, splashed gasoline around and set it on fire took his own life Wednesday night on an airplane bound for Los Angeles.

Gerald Georgettis was on a United Airlines flight from Dulles International Airport when the flight crew found him hanging in the plane's bathroom.

Federal Aviation Administration officials confirmed that a suicide occurred on board the flight, and that plane was diverted to Denver.

Last weekend, Georgettis was charged with first-degree arson and felony criminal mischief for driving his newly purchased vehicle through the Metro Ford showroom and setting it on fire.

Miami-Dade police said Georgettis was upset about the price he paid for a new Ford Escape. The SUVs cost about $20,000, but it wasn't immediately clear what Georgettis paid for his.

After the incident, Georgettis said his actions were "stupid" and that he regretted them.

Fire officials said the blaze scorched about a dozen cars, including a limited edition 2006 Ford GT Heritage. Only 250 of the cars, which sell for $150,000, were made.

Denver police are investigating the suicide.

Co-workers in North Miami Beach, where Georgettis managed the theater at the Center for Performing Arts for seven years, said there was no indication that Georgettis would ever do anything irrational.

Family members chose not to speak about what happened.