Aaliyah was killed in a plane crash on a Saturday night, August 25, 2001, along with Gina Smith, 29, of New Jersey, Aaliyah's product manager at Blackground Records own Keith Wallace, 49, of Los Angeles; Douglas Kratz, 28, Virgin Redords' director of video production; her bodyguard Scott Gallin, 41; Aaliyah's personal hair stylist Eric Forman, 29, of Los Angeles; hair stylist Anothony Dodd, 34, of Los Angeles; and makeup artist Christopher Maldonado, 32, of New York; as well as the planes pilot, identified only as L. Maradel.
The Cessna 402 was departing form the Marsh Harbour airport bound for Ops-locka, Florida, when it crashed shortly after takeoff at approximately 6:50pm, police say. The plane is said to have crashed approximately 200 feet from the end of the runway killing six people instantly. Three others died later due to their injuries.
Aaliyah ha just completed filming of her video for "Rock The Boat", directed by Hype Williams, in which she took time off of her promotional tour to shoot. The cause of the crash isnt't known yet, but authorities suspect engine failure becasue the plane took off in good weather conditions. CNN is reporting that Gloria Knowles, who works for Abaco Air Ltd. at Marsh Harbour airport, said baggage handlers reported the plane was overloaded with suitcases, yet the plane was still allowed to depart at the insistance of the passengers.
This
is the carriage that carried Aaliyah's body.Public Memorial Service:
A public memorial serivice in honor of Aaliyah was held on Friday, August 31st in New York City. A continuous loop of Aaliyah's videos, performances, and music was run throughout the day.
The Haughton Family Statement:
Aaliyah's family is devastated at the loss of their loving daughter and sister. Their hearts go out to those families who also lost their loved ones in this tragic accident.
This
spray painted memorial for the late RandB singer Aaliyah Haughton, photographed
on August 29, 2001, appears on the side of a building on the Lower East Side of
Manhattan in New York.
The Blackground Records Statement:
Blackground is devastated with the loss of our Queen. The examlpe she showed young people will be sorely missed and we hope her short time on earth will be an inspiration to young people all over the world.
The Virgin Records Statement:
The worldwide Virgin family is devastated by the news of this terrible and tragic accident and out hearts and thoughts go out to all those families who losr loved ones.
Aaliyah, one of the worlds brightest and most talented stars, will be mourned by all who loved her and loved her music. Her depth and versatility as an artist was matched by the passion and devotion she had doe her craft.
Aaliyah's Gravesite Location:
Ferncliff Cemetery and Mausoleum, in Hartsdale, Westchester County, NY.
Fans having a candle light vigil for Aaliyah.