A tragic plane crash near Washington, D.C. has claimed the lives of 67 individuals, including a prominent civil rights attorney and former Miss Kansas contestant. As families and communities come together to mourn the loss, the identities of the victims are being revealed.
Kiah Duggins, an attorney at Civil Rights Corps, has a strong background in law. Born and raised in Wichita, she is proud to call it her hometown. Kiah’s educational journey began at Wichita East High School, where she laid the foundation for her future success. In 2015, she had the honor of representing the Miss Kansas Organization as Miss Butler County, showcasing her diverse range of talents and abilities. Kiah’s multifaceted experiences have shaped her into a dedicated and passionate advocate for civil rights.
Former Sedgwick County Commissioner Lacey Cruse beautifully described Duggins as a courageous and radiant soul, a beacon in the battle for civil rights.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Cruse expressed the immense sadness felt by not only the family and friends of the individual who passed away but also by all those who believe in justice and equality. Cruse hopes that the legacy, message, and spirit of this person will continue to serve as an inspiration for positive change. Although gone too soon, their memory will always be cherished.
Duggins visited her family in Wichita while her mother was undergoing surgery. She was returning to Washington, where she works, on Wednesday night.
Duggins’ family released a statement on Thursday, requesting privacy during their time of mourning.
“We are currently grappling with the sorrow that comes with losing our beloved and accomplished eldest child,” the statement expressed. “During this period, we kindly ask for our family’s privacy to be respected.”
Duggins’ profile on the Civil Rights Corps website highlights his achievements in fighting against unconstitutional policing and money bail practices in Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C.
After completing her undergraduate degree at Wichita State University, Duggins went on to graduate from Harvard Law School.
Larry Strong, who served as Duggins’ local pageant director during her participation in Miss Kansas and Miss Butler County, is among those fondly remembering the 30-year-old.
Duggins, who hails from Wichita, always strived to make a difference in every aspect of her life, be it in the classroom or on the pageant stage. She played a crucial role in opening doors for other young women who aspire to pursue education.
Strong explained that there was a project called “The Princess Project” that aimed to assist underserved young women in their college admissions.
Strong last saw Duggins approximately a month ago when she mentioned her new role as a law professor at Howard University. Howard University is a private, historically Black college located in Washington, D.C.
Now, Duggins’ friends and family are left with cherished memories of her and the remarkable legacy she created.
Strong expressed his optimism about the future, stating, “There is a bright future ahead.” He also extended his condolences to Duggins’ family, acknowledging the challenging time they are going through and assuring them that they are in his thoughts and prayers.