Aaliyah: Tragic Loss of a Rising Star
The world was shocked and saddened at the tragic death of 22 year-old pop star Aaliyah. Aaliyah was killed in a plane crash on Saturday August 25, 2001 in the Bahamas. The talented singer and actress was one of nine people on the small twin-engine plane which crashed seconds after take off from the Bahamas. All nine people on board died.
At 6:45 pm Aaliyah was leaving the Bahamas after shooting a music video when the Cessna 402B plane exploded on impact 200 feet past the end of the runway at Abaco Island's Marsh Harbour International Airport. Their destination was Opa-Locka Airport, northwest of Miami but the plane apparently suffered engine failure upon liftoff.
Aaliyah Haughton, who's Arabic name Aaliyah stands for great power, was a talented pop/R & B singer and actress who was on her way to the top. Music was part of growing up for Aaliyah who's famous aunt is the legendary Gladys Knight, of Gladys Knight & the Pips. She had three albums under her belt including 2001's self-titled Aaliyah and co-starred with Jet Li in the action movie Romeo Must Die. Aaliyah stars as the Queen in the upcoming film adaptation of Anne Rice's novel Queen of the Damned due out in 2002.
She was born in Brooklyn, New York - grew up in Detroit, Michigan and released her first album, Age Ain't Nothing But a Number at the age of 14. She had a big hit with her song Try Again from the Romeo Must Die soundtrack which is now a bittersweet moment because the song is nominated for R & B Song of the Year at this year's Soul Train Awards on September 1, 2001. Aaliyah has already won Best Female Video and Video From a Film for Try Again at the 2000 MTV Awards.
Aaliyah's further rise to success was marked by her third album Aaliyah, released in July of this year, as well as her forthcoming performance in Matrix 2. It remains to be seen whether Aaliyah will make it past the editing room floor. Despite her untimely fall, Aaliyah will be remembered as a star.
Kidzworld members have clearly been touched by the loss of Aaliyah. Here's what some of them have to say about her:
"It's so sad. She was my absolute fave. She was on a plane and it crashed. It just isn't fair. I have all her CDs. When I found out she died this morning, I started crying and haven't stopped." - Junebugg
"I'm really sad about this. I don't usually mourn over the deaths of people I don't know but I'm really upset over this one." -- Shakira
"We thank you for Aaliyah's life and we pray that all the families and friends who are overcoming this huge tragedy get over it soon. Aaliyah, we love your music and loads of people are going to miss you very much. What a shame and a waste of just a short life. I love ya Aaliyah. RIP."
-- R'n'B_lova4u
"Aaliyah I hope the best for you, you were a great singer/artist and you have changed my life forever. Now I realize time is too precious to waste. I hope you RIP. My best wishes to you."
-- Precious89
Related Stories:
If you thought all the spooky holidays were over, you'd be dead wrong! Get the lowdown on the Day of the Dead and more November holidays.
Even though This Is It is not really a movie for kids, and some of you may not want to or be allowed to watch it, we thought we'd review it for you because so many kids out there love Michael Jackson.