Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Promising Legal Professionals
Tragedy struck in Washington, D.C., on January 29, when a regional plane collided midair with a military helicopter, plunging into the Potomac River. Among the victims were two promising associates from Wilkinson Stekloff and a civil rights attorney with a bright future ahead.
The two associates, Sarah Lee Best and Elizabeth Keys, both 33 years old, met an untimely end in the crash. Keys tragically lost her life on her birthday, adding an even more somber note to the already devastating incident. Joining them was 30-year-old Kiah Duggins, a civil rights lawyer set to join the faculty of the Howard University School of Law in the upcoming fall semester.
This heart-wrenching incident has left a community in mourning and the legal world reeling from the loss of these talented individuals. Sarah, Elizabeth, and Kiah were all shining stars in their respective fields, with promising careers ahead of them. The impact of their absence will be deeply felt by all who knew them, both personally and professionally.
Remembering Kiah Duggins: A Champion for Justice
Kiah Duggins, a graduate of Harvard Law School, was a fierce advocate for justice and equality. During her time at Harvard, she dedicated herself to protecting families from pandemic-related evictions, showcasing her passion for helping the most vulnerable members of society. Her former dean, John Goldberg, describes her as a beacon of optimism, kindness, and empathy, traits that endeared her to all who crossed her path.
Before her tragic passing, Duggins made significant contributions to organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California and the Civil Rights Corps, where she fought against unconstitutional policing and money bail practices. Her commitment to justice and equality was unwavering, making her a true force for good in the legal community.
In addition to her legal work, Kiah Duggins was a former Miss Kansas contestant and a graduate of Wichita State University. Her diverse background and experiences shaped her into the remarkable individual she was, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Remembering Sarah Lee Best and Elizabeth Keys: Rising Stars in the Legal World
Sarah Lee Best and Elizabeth Keys, both associates at Wilkinson Stekloff, were on their way back to Washington, D.C., from a deposition when tragedy struck. Best, a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, had already made a name for herself as a dedicated and caring mentor to law student interns. Her former colleagues remember her as a compassionate and generous individual with a wonderful sense of humor.
Elizabeth Keys, a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, was known for her meticulous attention to detail and creative legal mind. Her former professor, David A. Super, describes her as an exceptional student and an even better person, highlighting her professionalism and kindness in all aspects of her work.
The loss of Sarah, Elizabeth, and Kiah has left a void in the legal community that will be difficult to fill. Their passion for justice, dedication to their work, and kindness towards others serve as a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire all who follow in their footsteps.
As we mourn the loss of these talented individuals, let us also remember the impact they had on those around them and the lasting contributions they made to the legal world. Their memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew them, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of legal professionals.
