The tragic midair collision involving a passenger plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport has left 67 people presumed dead, including a Howard University Law professor and former Kansas beauty queen, Kiah Duggins. Professor Duggins, a civil rights attorney who actively challenged unconstitutional policing and bail practices, was among the 64 passengers on the plane. She was set to begin her role as a law professor at Howard University in the fall.
The crash also claimed the lives of several American and Russian figure skaters, including 12-year-old Olivia Ter from Prince George’s County, Maryland. She was part of a group returning from a National Development Camp in Kansas. The local community remembers Olivia for her passion and influence in the figure skating world.
Additionally, four members of the Maryland-based labor union Steamfitters UA Local 602 were on the flight, and the union is focusing on supporting the families affected by this tragedy.
Overall, the collision has deeply affected diverse communities, from academia and civil rights to sports and local labor unions, highlighting the wide-reaching impact of this disaster.
