Kiah Duggins: A Brave and Beautiful Soul Lost in Plane Crash

Estimated read time 4 min read

Kiah Duggins, a 30-year-old civil rights attorney and East High graduate, was among the victims of the American Airlines Flight 5342 crash. She was returning home to Washington, D.C., after supporting her mother in Wichita. Duggins was known for her advocacy work and her bright personality.

Kiah Duggins, a 30-year-old civil rights attorney, tragically lost her life in the American Airlines Flight 5342 crash into the Potomac River. Born in Wichita, Kansas, Duggins grew up with a strong sense of justice and a passion for making a difference. She graduated from Wichita East High School and Wichita State University as a Clay Barton Scholar before earning her law degree from Harvard Law School.
Duggins was an accomplished individual who served as president of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau. Her career was marked by her dedication to police and prison reform, challenging policing and bail practices in Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C. She also worked with the ACLU of Northern California to challenge police misconduct.
In addition to her professional achievements, Duggins was a vibrant and adventurous person. She loved traveling and making friends from all over the world. During her time at Wichita State, she served as a White House intern under former First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let Girls Learn” initiative. She also co-founded the Shocker Food Locker campus food pantry and the Wichita State Inspire outreach initiative.
Duggins’ personal life was deeply rooted in her family and faith. She was the daughter of Maurice and Gwen Duggins, with Maurice being a family practice doctor in Wichita and Gwen a retired educator. Her family and friends remembered her bright smile and zest for life.
In a statement, her father Maurice Duggins expressed the family’s grief, saying, “We are coming to terms with the grief associated with the loss of our beautiful and accomplished firstborn. Please respect our family’s privacy at this time.”
Annie Montgomery, minister of Tabernacle Bible Church in Wichita, described Kiah as “the most beautiful young lady inside and out,” highlighting her adventurous spirit and ability to make friends easily. Former Sedgwick County Commissioner Lacey Cruse called the news of Duggins’ death “devastating,” noting that she was “a brave and beautiful soul, a light in the fight for civil rights.”
Kiah Duggins’ legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who believe in justice and equality. Her work and spirit will not be forgotten.


1. What was Kiah Duggins’ profession?
Answer: Kiah Duggins was a civil rights attorney.

2. Where did Kiah Duggins graduate from?
Answer: Kiah Duggins graduated from Wichita East High School and Wichita State University before earning her law degree from Harvard Law School.

3. What initiatives was Kiah Duggins involved in?
Answer: Kiah Duggins was involved in the “Let Girls Learn” initiative as a White House intern and co-founded the Shocker Food Locker campus food pantry and the Wichita State Inspire outreach initiative.

4. What was Kiah Duggins’ role in the community?
Answer: Kiah Duggins was an advocate for police and prison reform, challenging policing and bail practices in various states, and worked with the ACLU of Northern California to challenge police misconduct.

5. How did Kiah Duggins’ family and friends remember her?
Answer: Kiah Duggins was remembered by her family and friends for her bright smile, zest for life, and her adventurous spirit. She was described as “the most beautiful young lady inside and out” by Annie Montgomery.


Kiah Duggins was a remarkable individual who dedicated her life to fighting for justice and equality. Her tragic loss in the plane crash has left a void in the lives of those who knew her, but her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.


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