Thursday, August 30, 2001
| Home | Artists | News | Contests | Multimedia | Help |
Breaking news, in the death of singing sensation, Aaliyah. According to investigaters, reports that the singers' refusal to leave behind personal luggage was not the reason for the plane's deadly crash. Infact, the plane also was carrying 700-1500 pounds of video production equipment from the video shoot, the singer had just completed. The small twin engine plan was not equipped to carry such weight, along with the 8 passengers, including the pilot. The pilot on the other hand, is reported to be a convicted coccaine possessor. Infact, just 2 weeks prior to the crash, he had been indited on coccaine possesion which resulted in a temporary revoking of his liscence, and removal from his previous piloting job. The pilot, originally quoted as "L. Maradel", in actuallity was under an alias, so that he could work for the charter plane company that chartered the plan to the late singer. The pilots true name is Morales. The charter company, too was had been under scrutiny recently. The company had been banned by the flying association for failure to meet safety standards. All of this shocking news in the wake of the singer's funeral, which will be attended privately, tommorow Friday, August 31, 2001 in New York. 
In other related news, concerning the singer. It is stated that she was infact returning to begin "looping" dialouge for the Anne Rice film "Queen of the Damned". Looping, is a audio process which adds enhanced dialouge to the previously recorded images captured on film. The movie, which was previously only to be released on video, may now have a big screen release, however, another actress will be the speaking voice of Aaliyah's character, Queen Akasha, since she is no longer available to loop her own dialouge. The status of her 2 Matrix sequels is still not clear at the moment, however it is noted that she was to return to Australia to continue filming her portion of the movie. The singers, family and friends, are still mourning their loss, including her aunt by marriage, Gladys Knight. 
Various artists such as Destiny's Child, who dedicated their performance of "Emotion" at the Lady of Soul Awards to Aaliyah, and Lifetime Achievement honoree, Patti Labelle, also remembered the young star, in her acceptance speech at the same awards ceremony. For more information into the investigation of this plane crash, please refer back to this website.
Sadly, the music world, and fans alike, are mourning the lose of rising star, Aaliyah. The two-time Grammy nominated singer ("Are that Somebody" "Try Again") Aaliyah, was tragically killed last Saturday, August 25, 2001 at the age of 22, when her small twin engine plane, The Cessna 402 crashed some 200 feet down the runway, shortly after take-off, at around 6:50 pm. Sadly, the death toll includes 7 others, Gina Smith, 29, product manager for Blackground Records, native of New Jersey, and resident of Dallas, Texas; Doug Kratz, 29, director of production for Virgin Records; Keith Wallace, 49, a high profile executive for Blackground Records; Scott Gallin, 41, bodyguard; hair stylist, Anthony Dodd, 34; makeup artist Christopher Maldonado, 32; the plane's pilot, L. Maradel; and Aaliyah's close friend and personal hair stylist, Eric Forman, 29, who was seen in MTV's Diary series, along with the star earlier this month. Due to the this tradegy, MTV will reair Aaliyah's diary entry in the following weeks. The station also has plans this week for various tributes and specials, airing as follows, MTV News Now Special Report: The Life of Aaliyah, Tue 08/28, 12:00 AM; Tue 08/28, 5:00 PM; Tue 08/28, 8:00 PM; Wed 08/29, 9:30 AM; Wed 08/29, 3:00 PM; Wed 08/29, 9:00 PM (EST). Also, a half hour video block airing on, Tue 08/28, 5:30 PM; Tue 08/28, 8:30 PM (EST). The last known pictures of the star were taken by BET. Ironically, Aaliyah was shooting her new video for her second single "Rock the Boat", the day before her death. BET was onset with Aaliyah for their All Access Granted series, which is now being rescheduled, due to news that the video may not be released. Aaliyah, had already shot the video for her third single, "More Than A Woman", just 2 weeks prior. Currently, BET is also airing tribute specials on the daily live music countdown show, 106 and Park. 
On the program, Aaliyah's close friend and music producer Timbaland, gave a comment on the phone, remarking his sadness, and announced he and the musical crew of Missy Elliott, Ginuwine and Magoo, will not produce a tribute song, for it would be to painful to perform. He also stated, that he will be on hiadus for a while, so that he can cope with her death. Aaliyah also lended vocals for an upcoming single that is on Timbaland & Magoo's album, and Timbaland also expressed, he may not be able to release the song. No word, if another close friend, Missy Elliot will be able to perfom in less than a week for MTV's Video Music Awards, on September 6, 2001. Unfortunately, the rising star, will never know the success of her 3 upcoming movie roles. This past year, she completed filming her starring role as Queen Akasha, in the movie Queen of the Damned, based on Anne Rice's novel of the same name. She also finished filming 2 Matrix sequels, no word if the the movie's can now be released because, she was to return to Australia to take principle photography, most likely for special effects shots. CNN, reports that Gloria Knowles, who works for Abaco Air Ltd. at Marsh Harbour airport, said baggage handlers reported the plane was overloaded with suitcases, yet the plane was still allowed to depart at the insistance of the passengers. Another theory for the crash entails, that an engine could have failed. The actual invesigation, however, has not be conducted, as of today. Aaliyah's family, and the music production companies, Blackground Records, and Virgin Records, have released these three statements to fans. 
The Haughton Family Statement: Aaliyah's family is devastated at the loss of their loving daughter & sister. Their hearts go out to those families who also lost their loved ones in this tragic accident. The Blackground Records Statement: Blackground is devastated with the loss of our Queen. The example she showed young people will be sorely missed and we hope her short time on earth will be an inspiration to young people all over the world. We are equally distraught by the passing of our Blackground family members Gina Smith and Keith Wallace. Their hard work and dedication were an invaluable contribution to the success of Aaliyah and Blackground. Our prayers go out to all the families. The Virgin Records Statement: The worldwide Virgin family is devastated by the news of this terrible and tragic accident and our hearts and thoughts go out to all those families who lost loved ones.
Aaliyah, one of the world's brightest and most talented stars, will be mourned by all who loved her and loved her music. Her depth and versatility as an artist was matched by the passion and devotion she had for her craft. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Virgin staff member Doug Kratz. Doug was an extremely dedicated and talented professional, whose enthusiasm, energy and spirit will be missed by everyone who worked alongside him everyday. The family appreciates your words of comfort and gifts very much, and if you would like to send cards or flowers, please use this information. Please send flowers and floral arrangements to: The Trump International Hotel 1 Central Park West New York, NY 10023 Attn.: Diane Haughton. Please send letters and cards to: Aaliyah Memorial Suite 101 West 23rd Street #2342 New York, NY 10011. For more information, please return to this webpage for further updates.
