The tragic midair collision at Reagan National Airport on Wednesday evening claimed the life of 30-year-old Howard University professor Kiah Duggins. Duggins, a former Miss Kansas contestant and civil rights attorney, was among those killed when an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter collided, according to Fox News.
Howard University President Ben Vinson III expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating in a social media post, “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.” He also requested privacy and respect for her family, students, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Duggins, who worked with the non-profit Civil Rights Corps, was set to join Howard’s law school faculty in the fall.
The American Airlines flight, traveling from Wichita, Kansas, had 60 passengers and four crew members onboard, while the Blackhawk helicopter carried three military personnel on a routine training flight. The collision occurred over the Potomac River, and officials believe there were no survivors.
Video footage captured the moment the two aircraft neared each other before a burst of light signaled the tragic impact. Reports indicate that at the time of the crash, a single air traffic controller was handling two different tower positions simultaneously.
Wichita’s Tabernacle Bible Church Minister Annie Montgomery remembered Duggins fondly, saying, “Kiah was the most beautiful young lady inside and out. She was adventurous. She made friends so easily. She had the kind of personality that you just could not resist.”
