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Howard University Law Professor Among Victims of Deadly Plane Crash

Written By Micarie Kemp

Howard University is mourning the loss of Professor Kiah Duggins, who was among the victims of Wednesday’s tragic mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport.

Duggins, a civil rights attorney, was set to begin teaching at Howard University School of Law this fall.

The university confirmed in a statement that she was aboard the American Airlines flight that collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter before crashing into the Potomac River. Officials report that all 64 people aboard the two aircrafts were killed.

Howard University says Duggins was an advocate committed to justice and reform. Before joining Howard, she worked to challenge unconstitutional policing and unfair bail practices in Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C.

“It is with profound sadness that the Howard University School of Law and the broader Howard University community have learned of the passing of Professor Kiah Duggins,” the university’s statement read. “We ask for privacy and respect for Professor Duggins’ family, students, and colleagues during this difficult time.”

The crash also claimed the lives of several other Washington, D.C.-area residents, including a 12-year-old skater from PG County, four Maryland steamfitters, three Fairfax County students, a coach and four Loudoun County skaters.

While the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has yet to officially release the victims’ names, social media has begun to paint a picture of those lost in the tragedy.