Maria Nieves de Larracoechea (1949-1988), or Nieves, was a Spanish flight attendant for Pan American Airlines. She had been with the company for almost 18 years and was the only Spanish flight attendant employed by the company. Born in Bilbao, Spain, she was based in New York, New York, until 1971 and then in London, England beginning in 1978. During her time as a flight attendant, she received awards, commendations, and praise for her performance. This included the Clipper Ship, a flight attendant recognition award, which she had been awarded four times. Described as vivacious and utterly charming, she loved working in economy class so that she could be around many people. She was survived by her husband, Frank, her parents, Francisco and Marina Larracoechea, and her sister, Marina.

Hans Frank Rosenkranz (1945- ), or Frank, is a German author and businessman, and was the husband of Maria Nieves de Larracoechea at the time of her death. He was involved in the founding of Victims of Pan Am Flight 103, Inc. (VPAF 103, Inc.) and helped represent the European victims' families. In addition to his work with VPAF 103, Inc., he advocated for more rigorous aviation security measures from the German government and airport officials and fought for greater awareness of the Pan Am Flight 103 tragedy in European media. Rosenkranz wrote an autobiography titled Old World - New World - My Own World, in which he details his time with Larracoechea, as well as the aftermath of the tragedy and his subsequent advocacy work.