Nationwide — 30-year-old Kiah Duggins, an African American regulation professor at Howard College and a Harvard Legislation graduate, was among the many victims of a devastating midair collision between an American Airways passenger jet and a army helicopter close to Reagan Nationwide Airport. The crash, which occurred Wednesday night over the Potomac River, claimed the lives of all 67 folks on board each plane, leaving no survivors, in line with officers.
Howard College President Ben Vinson III launched a press release confirming Duggins’ passing, calling it a profound loss for the college and its regulation college. He requested for privateness and respect for her household, college students, and colleagues throughout this troublesome time. Duggins had not too long ago joined Howard’s school and was acknowledged for her authorized work, notably in civil rights litigation and social justice advocacy.
A Kansas native, Duggins had beforehand labored for the Civil Rights Corps, the place she challenged unconstitutional policing and cash bail practices throughout a number of states. She additionally collaborated with the ACLU of Northern California and different organizations to deal with police misconduct. Earlier than incomes her regulation diploma at Harvard, she accomplished a Fulbright grant in Taiwan and obtained her undergraduate levels from Wichita State College.
Duggins’ influence prolonged past the authorized discipline. She was a two-time winner of the Miss Butler County pageant and a high finalist within the Miss Kansas Pageant. Larry Robust, her former pageant director, described her as a outstanding particular person with a ardour for justice and training, urging the neighborhood to maintain her household of their ideas and prayers.
The crash occurred when American Airways Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ-701 carrying 64 passengers and crew, collided midair with an Military UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on a coaching mission. Investigators say the jet, touring at roughly 140 miles per hour, all of the sudden misplaced altitude and struck the helicopter at round 300 ft. The collision triggered a catastrophic explosion over the river.
Emergency groups have to date recovered 28 our bodies from the wreckage because the seek for victims continues. Federal authorities, together with the Nationwide Transportation Security Board (NTSB), are actively investigating the reason for the crash. Air visitors management recordings captured surprised reactions as controllers realized the tragedy unfolding in actual time.
The lack of Duggins, together with the opposite passengers and crew, has left the Howard College neighborhood and plenty of others mourning. Her legacy as a devoted professor, advocate, and chief within the struggle for justice is not going to be forgotten.
