25 Years Later: Ex-Boyfriend Reveals Aaliyah Warned Him About Fatal Plane

Key points

• Damon Dash stated Aaliyah texted him 'I don’t like the plane' before boarding the fatal flight.
• Dash advised Aaliyah not to board, but she insisted on flying to return home after filming.
• The Cessna 402B crashed less than a minute after takeoff on August 25, 2001.
• The pilot, Luis Antonio Morales, was unlicensed and tested positive for alcohol and cocaine.
• The aircraft was overloaded by more than 900 pounds, affecting its center of gravity.
• Aaliyah’s parents reached a confidential settlement with the video production company in 2003.

Background

Aaliyah, known as the 'Princess of R&B,' died at age 22 in a plane crash while traveling from the Bahamas to Florida. She had been in the Bahamas filming her 'Rock the Boat' music video. The crash occurred 25 years ago, on August 25, 2001. Her self-titled third album had debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in July 2001. Her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the plane operator and video production company, reaching a settlement in 2003. The 'Rock the Boat' video was released two months after her death.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six and Us Weekly both report on Damon Dash’s claims that Aaliyah expressed fear about the plane. Page Six emphasizes Dash’s statement that Aaliyah boarded to return home quickly. Us Weekly adds context from backup dancers Carmit Bachar and Lesley Nicole Lewis, who recall the joy of the shoot and the shock of the crash. Us Weekly also cites biographer Kathy Iandoli, who questions why Aaliyah boarded despite her fear, noting an eyewitness claim that she was given a pill and carried aboard while asleep. Both outlets agree on the crash details: the pilot was unlicensed, under the influence, and the plane was overloaded. Page Six notes the plane was overloaded by 700 pounds, while Us Weekly cites the NTSB finding it was over 900 pounds over the limit.

Why it matters

This story highlights the ongoing questions surrounding Aaliyah’s death 25 years later. The revelation that she expressed fear about the plane adds a personal dimension to the tragedy. It underscores the failures in safety protocols, including the unlicensed pilot and overloaded aircraft. The story also reflects the enduring impact of Aaliyah’s legacy on music and culture, as noted by those close to her. It serves as a reminder of the risks in the entertainment industry and the importance of safety standards.

What to watch

There are no immediate next steps, as the crash occurred 25 years ago. However, the story may prompt renewed discussions about aviation safety and the responsibilities of production companies in ensuring safe transportation for artists. The release of the 'Rock the Boat' video two months after her death marked a significant moment in her legacy. The confidential settlement reached in 2003 remains undisclosed, but the lawsuit highlighted the negligence of the plane operator and video production company.