Latest news with #KiahDuggins
Express Tribune
31-01-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Howard University law professor Kiah Duggins among victims in fatal DC plane crash
Kiah Duggins, a civil rights attorney and incoming Howard law professor, was among 64 killed in the Jan. 29 midair collision. Duggins, a Wichita State University alum and Harvard Law graduate, had been traveling back to Washington, D.C., after visiting her mother, who recently underwent surgery. She was a prominent advocate for criminal justice reform, working with the Civil Rights Corps to challenge systemic issues within the legal system. Her family confirmed her passing, with her father, Maurice Duggins, releasing a statement requesting privacy as they mourn their loss. Howard University also honored her memory, with President Ben Vinson III expressing deep sorrow over her untimely passing. Duggins was a former Miss Kansas finalist and had served as president of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau. She was set to begin teaching at Howard University's law school in the fall. Friends and colleagues remembered her as a brilliant legal scholar and dedicated advocate for civil rights. As of Jan. 30, search crews had recovered 28 bodies from the Potomac River, where the aircraft crashed. The Associated Press confirmed that three Army soldiers aboard the Black Hawk helicopter were among the deceased. Investigations into the cause of the collision remain ongoing.
USA Today
31-01-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
'A scholar and activist': Civil rights attorney Kiah Duggins named victim in DC crash
'A scholar and activist': Civil rights attorney Kiah Duggins named victim in DC crash An aspiring law professor and former Miss Kansas contestant is among the dead after a commercial jet collided with a military helicopter Wednesday outside Washington D.C., family and school officials said. Kiah Duggins was among the 64 people on board the airplane when it collided with a Blackhawk trying to land at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, relatives and close friends confirmed. All on board both aircrafts are feared dead, officials said Thursday. She was 30. "Kiah believed in radical love, unwavering truth, and the fight for a better world. Let's carry her torch forward," Family member Aisha Duggins wrote in a fundraiser she created slated to go toward causes and initiatives "dear to her heart, ensuring that her work and passion live on." Former Sedgwick County Commissioner Lacey Cruse also confirmed Duggins' death in a Facebook post and called her a "brave and beautiful soul." Prior to her death, Duggins was "set to begin a new chapter as a professor at Howard University in the fall," the university posted on social media. She dedicated her career to fighting against "unconstitutional policing and unjust money bail practices in Tennessee, Texas and Washington, D.C.," the post reads. USA TODAY has reached out to Duggins' family. Kiah Duggins was also Miss Kansas contestant According to Larry Strong, Duggins' former pageant director, Duggins was a two-time former Miss Kansas contestant. 'It is with heavy heart that the Miss Augusta and Miss Butler County organization just learned that Kiah Duggins... was a passenger in the plane that crashed last evening in Washington DC,' Strong posted on Facebook Thursday. 'Keep the rest of the family in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.' Duggins was Miss Butler County 2014 and 2015, Strong wrote. "The Miss Kansas Organization community, to include our brand ambassadors, board of directors and volunteers, call on our entire state to join in us collectively sending our love and deepest condolences to the families and loved ones impacted by the tragic loss of life aboard American Airlines Flight 5342." "Our hearts are with you all as we lift each other up during this incredibly difficult time," the organization posted on its Facebook page. Where was Attorney Kiah Duggins' from? A Wichita native, Duggins attended Wichita Public Schools, the district confirmed to USA TODAY Friday, and graduated from Wichita High School East. A graduate of the Class of 2013, Duggins was an International Baccalaureate Diploma graduate, a member of the Dance Team, Model UN Club, Spanish and National Honor Societies, and Student Government, Wichita High School East Principal Sara Richardson told USA TODAY Friday. "She was also a Homecoming Queen candidate, a testament to the admiration and respect she earned from her peers," Richardson said. "Her determination to make a difference, especially in the lives of young people of color, was evident in everything she did. She led with kindness, purpose, and a commitment to lifting others up, inspiring those around her to strive for excellence and equity. "While we grieve this tremendous loss, we also honor the incredible legacy Kiah leaves behind. Her impact on our school, community, and beyond will not be forgotten." Deadliest plane crashes: A history of some of the deadliest crashes in US in wake of DC aircraft collision Duggin's graduated from Wichita State University Duggin's went on attending Wichita State University as a Clay Barton Scholar, according to her profile on the university's website. "Kiah was more than a scholar and activist," Aisha Duggins wrote. "She was a beloved sister-friend, a source of inspiration, and a beacon of grace and integrity. She made you want to be smarter, kinder, and bolder. Her presence challenged everyone around her to step into their most fearless, compassionate selves." "Dear God, please give Kiah the highest seat in heaven," her childhood friend, Dylan Severson posted in a tribute on Facebook. "Her memory is abundant with blessings and love overflowing. Her name brings profound joy and hope & her passing leaves painful tears and sorrow. You're irreplaceable in my heart, and I love you forever." Students, Olympic skaters, and more: A tribute to lives lost in the DC plane crash Kiah Duggins worked as civil rights attorney for non-profit Duggins graduated from Harvard University and was a civil rights attorney with the non-profit Civil Rights Corps. According to its website, the organization 'litigate[s] on behalf of movements challenging unconstitutional policing" and is dedicated to challenging systemic injustice in the United States' legal system. USA TODAY has reached out to Civil Rights Corps. What happened to American Airlines Flight 5324? The crash took place just before 9 p.m. when AA Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, attempted to land at Reagan National Airport and crashed in midair with a Black Hawk helicopter, carrying three people. The passenger plane with 64 people aboard then fell into icy waters of the Potomac River. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, which confirmed Thursday divers had recovered black boxes from the passenger plane. During a news conference, NTSB member Todd Inman said the military helicopter was also equipped "with some form of recording." Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliealund
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Yahoo
Incoming Howard University Law Professor Among Fatalities In DC Plane Crash
Kiah Duggins, a 30-year-old civil rights lawyer and former Miss Kansas contestant, was among the 64 people aboard the American Airlines Flight 5342 that crashed into a U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopter on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Duggins' family confirmed on Thursday that she was among the victims of the tragic incident. According to NPR affiliate KMUW, the Wichita State Universityalum was on her way back to Washington, D.C., after spending time with her mother, who recently had a surgical procedure. 'We are coming to terms with the grief associated with the loss of our beautiful and accomplished firstborn,' Her father, Maurice Duggins, said in a statement obtained by the outlet. He also urged the public to respect their family's privacy. Duggins graduated from the International Baccalaureate program at Wichita East High School and then later attended Wichita State University as a Clay Barton Scholar. She later received a degree from Harvard Law, where she served as president of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau. While at Wichita State, she was also a White House intern under the leadership of former first lady Michelle Obama's 'Let Girls Learn' initiative. Duggins was a top 10 finalist in the Miss Kansas pageant in 2014 and 2015, according to a Facebook post from a pageant official. She worked as an attorney for the Civil Rights Corps, a nonprofit focused on addressing injustice in the legal system, where she integrated her study of abolishing the prison industrial complex. Duggins was also set to start teaching at Howard University's law schoolin the fall. 'It is with profound sadness that the Howard University community and the Howard University School of Law have learned of the passing of Professor Kiah Duggins, who was among those lost in the midair plane collision at Reagan National Airport,' Howard University President Ben Vinson III said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. Duggins' law school classmate Anna Bower remembered her as an 'exceptionally talented civil rights lawyer and aspiring legal scholar' in a post on Bluesky. Friend and former Sedgwick County Commissioner Lacey Cruse also remembered Duggins in an emotional Facebook post. 'She was a brave and beautiful soul, a light in the fight for civil rights,' Cruse wrote. 'Her loss is heartbreaking, not only for her family and friends but for everyone who believes in justice and equality.' As of Jan. 30, 28 bodies had been recovered from the Potomac River, which borders the airport. According to The Associated Press, three Army soldiers who were in the helicopter were recovered from the wreckage. No Survivors After Passenger Jet Crashes With Helicopter Near DC Airport: Officials Team USA Mourns Loss Of Figure Skaters On Flight That Collided With Helicopter United And Delta Flights Have Midair Collision Scare Over Arizona
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Yahoo
Howard University Law professor among victims of D.C. plane crash
WASHINGTON -- A Howard University Law professor and former Kansas beauty queen was among the 67 people presumed dead after a midair crash involving a passenger plane and Army helicopter in Washington, D.C., university officials said. The Black Hawk helicopter was carrying three soldiers when it collided with the plane and crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport Wednesday, Jan. 29, CBS News reported. Several American and Russian figure skaters were confirmed to be onboard the passenger plane. As of 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, officials said at least 40 bodies have been recovered. Officials said there were no survivors. University President Ben Vison, PhD, confirmed Friday that Professor Kiah Duggins was one of the 64 passengers on the plane. "It is with profound sadness that the Howard University community and the Howard University School of Law have learned of the passing of Professor Kiah Duggins, who was among those lost in the mid-air plane collision at Reagan National Airport," he said in a social media post. Duggins was also a civil rights attorney with the non-profit Civil Rights Corps, according to a profile on the organization's website. In her career as an attorney, Duggins challenged unconstitutional policing and bail practices in Tenessee, Texas and Washington, D.C., according to her profile. She also worked with the ACLU of Northern California to challenge police misconduct and other aspects of the criminal legal system. Duggins also had ties to the Kansas community as she earned her bachelor's from Wichita State University and won the Miss Agusta and the Miss Bulter County beauty pageants in 2014 and 2015, according to the executive director of the Miss Kansas Organization. "It is with heavy heart that the Miss Augusta and Miss Butler County organization just learned that Kiah Duggins Miss Butler County 2014, 2015 was a passengers in the plane that crashed last evening in Washington DC," Executive Director Larry Strong posted to social media Thursday. According to Strong's post, Duggins was preparing to start as a law professor at Howard University in the fall. She was also a top 10 finalist in the 2014 and 2015 Miss Kansas Pageants. Maryland plane crash victims Several Marylanders were also aboard the American Airlines flight when it crashed Wednesday. Olivia Ter, a 12-year-old figure skater from Prince George's County, was among the 64 passengers, according to the county's Parks and Recreation Department. She was one of 14 members of the U.S. Figure Skating community who was coming back home after a National Development Camp in Kansas. "Olivia not only excelled in figure skating programs but inspired others through her talent, determination and sportsmanship," Prince George's County Parks and Recreation said in a statement. "Her passion for the sport and positive influence on her peers and coaches will not be forgotten." Maryland-based labor union Steamfitters UA Local 602 confirmed that four of its members were onboard the plane from Wichita. "Our focus now is on providing support and care to the families of our Brothers as we continue to gather more information in the coming days," General President Mark McManus and Business Manager Chris Madello said in a statement. The union represents workers in the heating, air conditioning, refrigeration and process piping industries in the D.C. Metro area. Commercial plane crashes midair with military helicopter near Reagan National Airport Officials provide update on midair collision near Reagan National Airport outside D.C. What to know about the investigation into the midair collision near D.C.
CBS News
31-01-2025
- CBS News
Howard University Law professor among victims of D.C. plane crash
WASHINGTON -- A Howard University Law professor and former Kansas beauty queen was among the 67 people presumed dead after a midair crash involving a passenger plane and Army helicopter in Washington, D.C., university officials said. The Black Hawk helicopter was carrying three soldiers when it collided with the plane and crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport Wednesday, Jan. 29, CBS News reported. Several American and Russian figure skaters were confirmed to be onboard the passenger plane. As of 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, officials said at least 40 bodies have been recovered. Officials said there were no survivors. University President Ben Vison, PhD, confirmed Friday that Professor Kiah Duggins was one of the 64 passengers on the plane. "It is with profound sadness that the Howard University community and the Howard University School of Law have learned of the passing of Professor Kiah Duggins, who was among those lost in the mid-air plane collision at Reagan National Airport," h e said in a social media post. Duggins was also a civil rights attorney with the non-profit Civil Rights Corps, according to a profile on the organization's website. In her career as an attorney, Duggins challenged unconstitutional policing and bail practices in Tenessee, Texas and Washington, D.C., according to her profile. She also worked with the ACLU of Northern California to challenge police misconduct and other aspects of the criminal legal system. Duggins also had ties to the Kansas community as she earned her bachelor's from Wichita State University and won the Miss Agusta and the Miss Bulter County beauty pageants in 2014 and 2015, according to the executive director of the Miss Kansas Organization. "It is with heavy heart that the Miss Augusta and Miss Butler County organization just learned that Kiah Duggins Miss Butler County 2014, 2015 was a passengers in the plane that crashed last evening in Washington DC," Executive Director Larry Strong posted to social media Thursday. According to Strong's post, Duggins was preparing to start as a law professor at Howard University in the fall. She was also a top 10 finalist in the 2014 and 2015 Miss Kansas Pageants. Maryland plane crash victims Several Marylanders were also aboard the American Airlines flight when it crashed Wednesday. Olivia Ter, a 12-year-old figure skater from Prince George's County, was among the 64 passengers, according to the county's Parks and Recreation Department. She was one of 14 members of the U.S. Figure Skating community who was coming back home after a National Development Camp in Kansas. "Olivia not only excelled in figure skating programs but inspired others through her talent, determination and sportsmanship," Prince George's County Parks and Recreation said in a statement. "Her passion for the sport and positive influence on her peers and coaches will not be forgotten." Maryland-based labor union Steamfitters UA Local 602 confirmed that four of its members were onboard the plane from Wichita. "Our focus now is on providing support and care to the families of our Brothers as we continue to gather more information in the coming days," General President Mark McManus and Business Manager Chris Madello said in a statement.
