Aaliyah Has Been Gone So Long

Aaliyah

Come Over (Aaliyah song) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Aaliyah’s departure from life certainly allowed for a lot of other young female singers to make a BIG name for themselves.  And sure there is always room for talent, but Aaliyah seemed to be just a cut above the rest. Like one of her Albums “One in a Million.”

She was once married (though annulled) to R. Kelly of Chicago.  That was always a vague issue to me, but this article is not about R. Kelly, it’s just that this is how her name first came to me.  I listened to her and saw interviews of her and this was a uniquely pretty and earthy young lady who was loaded with talent.

I remember the day that the plane crash happened.  It seemed to be a Monday maybe but I recall that it was late August 2001,  just before the tragic 911 Disaster.  Her mother wanted to accompany her to that Island of Bahamas and could not but made sure that a friend was with her daughter.  She feared Aaliyah on that small plane and to my knowledge, Aaliyah was somewhat afraid of flying too. 

The plane was a Cessna and a smaller version of the Cessna previously boarded.  My relative who flies say that these planes are ones that must be careful of the weight limits.  The Pilot had been on Probation for some offense, and this was his very first day for this Company.  He was also found to have traces of Cocaine in his system, but he was a kindly person who tried to advise the group that they were putting too much on the plane.  There were about eight people and the weight was exceeded by approximately 700 pounds what with all the equipment as well as people.  Ignorance is NOT bliss, in light of the fact that the plane immediately crashed at about 200  feet.  It was never said what was all on the plane but Aaliyah and her entourage were Island Hopping to get to another Island to board a plane for home.  There was  one Survivor, Anthony Dodd who was critically injured.  I don’t know if he survived past his hospitalization or where he is now. But when help arrived the first thing I recall that he said was “How is the little girl…..”

The Pilot probably compromised his position because he was out numbered but I wish he had radioed for help and advice for these people to save himself, first of all, then Aaliyah because certainly she was a baby to the rest of the crowd.   She was only 22.  It was a full circle tragedy.  And it is something about private planes, be they single or twin engined.  So many stars of the past have perished in them.  Remember the last two, Bob Denver and Ricky Nelson, or really going back, Patsy Cline, The Big Bopper and Richie Valen and my man Otis Redding?  Maybe some of you don’t but growing up, I do.  My prayer for any other entertainer traveling by private plane is to make sure the plane is extremely safe and no overloading at all.  I would be afraid even if none of those dangers existed.  I’ve been in a Private Plane. They take courage for the less adventurous.   Continued peace Aaliya!