Kiah Duggins, Civil Rights Attorney Killed in D.C. Plane Crash
The tragic crash of an American Airlines flight into a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday, Jan. 29, claimed the lives of all 64 people on board. Among them was 30-year-old civil rights attorney and former Miss Kansas contestant, Kiah Duggins. Her sudden passing has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew her, as she was not only a devoted advocate for justice but also a beloved daughter, friend, and community member.
Duggins’ family and friends took to social media to confirm her passing, expressing their profound grief. According to NPR affiliate KMUW, she had been traveling back to Washington, D.C., where she worked as an attorney for the Civil Rights Corps. She had spent time in Wichita, Kansas, to support her mother, who was undergoing surgery, demonstrating her deep commitment to family. Her father, Maurice Duggins, released a statement requesting privacy, as they mourn the loss of their “beautiful and accomplished firstborn.”
A highly accomplished scholar, Duggins graduated from Wichita East High School and Wichita State University before earning a degree from Harvard Law School. During her time at Harvard, she served as president of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, reflecting her dedication to fighting for justice. Her work at the Civil Rights Corps further cemented her role as a champion for civil rights, where she focused on reforming the criminal justice system and advocating for marginalized communities.
Her impact was felt far beyond the legal field. Former Sedgwick County Commissioner Lacey Cruse described Duggins as “a brave and beautiful soul, a light in the fight for civil rights.” Cruse’s heartfelt Facebook tribute emphasized that Duggins’ legacy would continue to inspire those who believe in justice and equality. Similarly, Larry E. Strong, who knew Duggins from her pageant days, recalled her aspirations to become a law professor at Howard University in the fall, a goal tragically cut short.
Duggins was also active in the pageant world, previously competing in the Miss Butler County 2014-2015 pageant, where she placed in the top 10. Her participation in pageants was another avenue through which she sought to make an impact, using the platform to advocate for change. Strong, reflecting on her passing, remarked on the immense promise she held, stating, “[She had] such a bright future ahead.” His words echoed the sentiments of many who saw her as a beacon of hope and ambition.
The devastating crash also claimed the lives of others, including several members of the U.S. Figure Skating team. Among the passengers were world champion pairs skaters and coaches Evgenia Shishkova, 52, and Vadim Naumov, 55, as well as young figure-skating sisters Everly and Alydia Livingston, ages 14 and 11. In a press conference on Jan. 30, Washington, D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly confirmed that there were no survivors and that recovery efforts were underway. The loss of Duggins and the other passengers is a heartbreaking reminder of how fleeting life can be, but their legacies will endure through the lives they touched.
