The families of Wednesday night’s air disaster victims near Washington, D.C are coming to terms with their tragic loss after a US army helicopter collided midair with an American Airlines passenger jet.
All 67 persons on board both aircrafts have now been confirmed dead. One of such was a young civil rights activist law professor and former Miss Kansas contestant Kish Duggins. She was also a former Intern to Mitchell Obama, wife of former US President Barack Obama.
She was on her way to resume work at Howard University, after being with her mother who had surgery on Wednesday.
“She dedicated her career to fighting against unconstitutional policing and unjust money bail practices in Tennessee, Texas and Washington DC,” Howard University said in a statement.
Former Sedgwick County Commissioner Lacey Cruse described Duggins as “a brave and beautiful soul, a light in the fight for civil rights.”
“Her loss is heartbreaking, not only for her family and friends but for everyone who believes in justice and equality,” Cruse wrote in a Facebook post. “May her work, her message, and her spirit continue to inspire and create change. Gone too soon but never forgotten.”
Duggins was in Wichita visiting her family as her mother underwent surgery. On Wednesday night, she was on her way back to Washington where she works.
On Thursday, Duggins’ family also issued a statement, asking for privacy as they grieve.
“We are coming to terms with the grief associated with the loss of our beautiful and accomplished firstborn,” the statement read. “Please respect our family’s privacy at this time.”
