Kiah Duggins – Harvard-Trained Attorney, Former Miss Kansas Contestant, and Advocate for Justice, Dies in Tragic D.C. Mid-Air Collision

Kiah Duggins, a former Miss Kansas contestant, Harvard-trained civil rights attorney, and passionate advocate for justice, tragically died in a mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport on January 29, 2025. She was 32 years old. Duggins had been aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River. The collision occurred as the flight was nearing its approach to the airport, and tragically, there were no survivors.

Duggins had a remarkable life, marked by a relentless pursuit of justice, brilliance, and compassion. A standout in both the beauty pageant world and in her legal career, she was known for her profound dedication to civil rights and her fierce commitment to challenging unjust systems. Her legacy extends beyond her legal career, as she was also remembered for the impact she had on her community and the countless lives she touched through her work and her friendships.

Early Life and Education

Kiah Duggins was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, where her intellect and talent were evident from an early age. She was part of her high school’s gifted program and was a natural leader, excelling in academics, extracurricular activities, and community service. Her passion for justice and her curiosity about the world around her led her to pursue higher education at prestigious institutions.

Duggins graduated from Harvard University, where she earned her law degree. During her time at Harvard, she became known for her fierce advocacy for marginalized communities and her leadership in civil rights work. She also developed a deep love for global travel, expanding her understanding of cultural differences and issues of injustice on an international scale. This broad perspective would later inform her work as a civil rights attorney and an advocate for change.

Pageantry and Advocacy

Before embarking on her legal career, Duggins competed in the Miss Kansas Pageant in both 2014 and 2015. She became a top 10 finalist in both years, showcasing not only her beauty but her intelligence, poise, and passion for social issues. It was during her time in the pageant that she began to refine her platform of social justice and human rights, using her visibility to raise awareness on issues like systemic inequality, racial injustice, and women’s rights.

Her pageant experience was one of many ways Duggins demonstrated her belief in the power of women to make a difference in the world. She was often invited to speak at schools, community events, and conferences, where she would share her story and encourage young women to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.

Legal Career and Advocacy

After graduating from Harvard, Duggins launched her legal career with a focus on civil rights law. She quickly gained a reputation for her sharp intellect, tireless work ethic, and commitment to justice. Throughout her career, she fought for the rights of the disenfranchised and worked to dismantle the structures of inequality that perpetuate racial and economic injustice.

Duggins was also a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform, fighting to address issues like mass incarceration, police brutality, and racial profiling. Her work extended to a number of high-profile cases, where she represented clients who had been wronged by the system and sought to hold those in power accountable for their actions.

In addition to her legal work, Duggins was a fierce advocate for education and empowerment. She believed that the law was not just a tool for justice but also a means of teaching people about their rights and giving them the tools to fight for themselves. As part of her ongoing dedication to education, Duggins was preparing for a new chapter in her career as a law professor at Howard University, where she was set to begin teaching in the fall of 2025.

Friendships and Legacy

Kiana Knolland, Duggins’ close friend and former high school classmate, shared an emotional tribute on social media, reflecting on their years of friendship. Knolland remembered Duggins as an unwavering source of inspiration, strength, and joy.

“Kiah Duggins. Say her name because it deserves to live on forever,” Knolland wrote. “Kiah was a Harvard-trained civil rights attorney, a freedom fighter, an abolitionist, a global traveler, and a radiant force of light and joy. Speaking of her in the past tense feels unbearable.”

Knolland went on to recount their shared experiences, from their early days in high school to their adventures together in Washington, D.C., and Taiwan. She described Duggins as someone who had a unique ability to challenge others to be their best selves, always inspiring those around her with her boundless intellect, compassionate spirit, and fearless pursuit of justice.

The impact Duggins had on those closest to her was clear. She had an incredible ability to make others feel valued, heard, and capable of achieving their dreams. Knolland’s tribute also emphasized the profound personal loss she felt, noting, “Her presence alone challenged you to be your most fearless, compassionate self. She fearlessly confronted systems, institutions, and individuals, always pushing for change.”

Final Moments and Tragic Collision

On January 29, 2025, Kiah Duggins was aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which was involved in a tragic mid-air collision with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River, just outside Washington, D.C. The flight was nearing its final approach to Reagan National Airport when the collision occurred. The crash resulted in the deaths of all passengers and crew members aboard both the aircraft and the helicopter.

Duggins’ death, along with the loss of the other 63 lives in the collision, has left the Washington, D.C. community and beyond in mourning. Her colleagues, friends, and family members have shared tributes to her memory, remembering her as a brilliant, compassionate, and tireless advocate who fought for justice until the very end.

Remembering Kiah Duggins

In the wake of her passing, tributes have poured in from friends, colleagues, and loved ones, all of whom remember Duggins for her unwavering dedication to justice and her profound impact on the world around her. She is mourned not only for her accomplishments but for the light she brought into every room she entered.

“Kiah Duggins was more than just a lawyer; she was a force for good,” said one of her colleagues from Harvard Law School. “Her passion for justice was contagious, and her commitment to making the world a better place inspired everyone who had the privilege of working with her. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire others to fight for what is right.”

Duggins’ legacy will undoubtedly live on in the lives of those she mentored, the cases she fought, and the communities she served. Her passion for justice and her deep empathy for others will be remembered by all who knew her. As her friend Kiana Knolland wrote in her tribute, “Her legacy will live on forever.”

Kiah Duggins is survived by her parents, extended family, close friends, and colleagues. The world has lost a true champion of justice, but her impact will continue to resonate for years to come.

Obituary: Kiah Duggins – A Shining Light Gone Too Soon

The sudden loss of Kiah Duggins in the tragic D.C. mid-air collision has left a void in the lives of many. A former Miss Kansas contestant, Harvard-trained civil rights attorney, and passionate advocate for justice, Duggins was a bright light in the fight for equality and human rights. Her untimely death at the age of 32 has shocked her community and those who knew her across the globe.

Her life was one of determination, intelligence, and compassion, as she worked tirelessly to challenge systemic injustice and give a voice to the voiceless. Duggins’ passing marks the loss of not only a brilliant attorney but also a beloved friend, mentor, and role model. In honoring her memory, it is clear that Kiah Duggins will forever be remembered for her unwavering dedication to justice and her extraordinary ability to inspire others.

Her obituary serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice is not just a career, but a way of life—one that Kiah Duggins embodied with grace, brilliance, and an unyielding commitment to making the world a better place.