American Airlines Crash: Tina Knowles Mourns Death of Law Professor
Tina Knowles is mourning the loss of a young visionary.
The mother of Beyoncé expressed her condolences to the family of a soon-to-be Howard University School of Law professor Kiah Duggins after she was named as one of the passengers on the American Airlines flight from Witchita, Kan., that collided with a U.S. Army helicopter in Washington, D.C., Jan. 29.
'So very saddened by the loss of this beautiful accomplished young woman,' Knowles wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of Duggins Jan. 31. 'Rest in peace to her family sending condolences and love to you. God Bless your Soul Kiah.'
The 71-year-old's message was shared alongside a photo of the civil rights attorney—who was set to join the school's faculty this fall—that emphasized, 'May her memory be an inspiration to all.'
The university also confirmed Duggins was among those onboard American Eagle Flight 5342 as the airplane carrying 64 people and Black Hawk helicopter carrying three crashed into the Potomac River. (District of Columbia fire chief John Donnelly confirmed Jan. 31 that all 67 are presumed dead as they continue to recover the bodies.)
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'As a civil rights lawyer,' the university shared on LinkedIn Jan. 30, 'she dedicated her career to fighting against unconstitutional policing and unjust money bail practices in Tennessee, Texas and Washington, D.C.'
After earning her J.D. from Harvard Law School, Duggins worked as a litigator for the Civil Rights Corps., as well as the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, per her CRC bio.
In addition to being an alumnus of Witchita State University and Wichita East High School, Duggins had another personal connection to Kansas. Her former pageant director Larry Strong shared that Duggins—who was a season pageant queen—was a top 10 finalist in 2014 and 2015 at the Miss Kansas Pageant.
Despite not earning a crown at the coveted event, she was previously named Miss Butler Country in 2014 and 2015.
Along with Duggins, the regional jet also carried 14 American figure skaters, coaches and family members who were at a camp in Wichita, Kan., according to U.S. Figure Skating. Of those, six were local skaters from the Skating Club of Boston, where two-time Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan formerly trained.
She mourned the tragic loss in an emotional speech to reporters alongside other club representatives.
"When you find out you know some of the people on the plane, it's an even bigger blow,' the retired skater said. "I feel for the athletes, the skaters, their families [and] anyone who was on that plane. "We've been through tragedies before as Americans, as people, and we are strong, and I guess it's how we respond to it. Even when it's hard, you get back up.'
Keep reading for more information on the devastating crash.
What Happened to the Passengers on American Airlines Flight 5342?Who Was Onboard American Airlines Flight 5342?Who Was Onboard the U.S. Army Helicopter Involved in the Collision?What Happens Next After Recover Efforts for American Airlines Flight 5342?Who Has Spoken Out After American Airlines Flight 5342 Crashed Into the Potomac River?
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