NPR host Adrian Ma has shared the profound grief he experiences following the tragic death of his girlfriend, Kiah Duggins, who perished in a plane crash in Washington, D.C. on January 30. The American Airlines flight she was aboard collided with a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, leading to a catastrophic accident that claimed the lives of all 64 passengers on the flight and three crew members of the helicopter. This incident marks the deadliest air crash in the United States in over two decades.
As Adrian awaited Kiah’s arrival at the airport, he noticed a concerning influx of emergency vehicles, but remained unaware of the disaster unfolding. His apprehension grew as he searched for information about her flight, only to receive the heartbreaking news from a friend about the crash. As details began to unravel, he awaited updates with other anxious families in a designated lounge. The atmosphere turned somber when officials relayed that there were no survivors.
Reflecting on the aftermath of this tragic event, Adrian described his emotional turmoil, stating, “It’s basically felt like being in emotional hell.” He aims to publicly honor Kiah’s memory, both as part of his healing process and to share her remarkable legacy. Kiah was a civil rights attorney dedicated to serving marginalized communities and challenging systemic injustices. The day following her passing, she was to attend a seminar on movement lawyering in Boston and was preparing for a position at Howard University School of Law, where she aimed to inspire future generations of civil rights advocates.
Adrian vividly remembers Kiah’s vibrant spirit, characterized by her infectious enthusiasm and thoughtful gestures like sending handwritten notes to friends. Her love for adventure, including her passion for Disney, highlights her joyful nature. Despite his own reservations about theme parks, Kiah’s joy transformed shared experiences into cherished memories.
Adrian hopes that by speaking about Kiah, he can preserve her spirit and encourage others to embrace the wonder and joy she radiated. In a world filled with uncertainties, he reflects on Kiah’s philosophy regarding joy: “There’s no good time to schedule fun, so you just got to commit to it.” This sentiment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seizing moments of joy, even amid grief.
This poignant reflection not only honors Kiah’s life and work but also serves as an invitation for others to remember the significance of love and joy in our daily lives, despite challenges and heartache.