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A Rising Star Falls http://elsegundousd.com/eshs/bayeagle/features/september/aaliyah.htm

A Rising Star Falls

Many inspired by her music were shocked Saturday August 25, to hear the tragic news that who was only 22 had died in a plane crash. It was hard to believe that the one true artist and actress that everyone loved so much was gone. Many thought that it was a rumor, but when the truth was told, it struck them hard. Junior Will Parker said," When I heard on the news that Aaliyah had died I was surprised and shocked."

Aeliyatte(Aaliyah) Haughton was born in , NY, Janurary16, 1979. At the age of 5, she moved to . She began performing professionally at the age of 9. By the time she was 11, Aaliyah was with , her aunt, in Las Vegas. Before finishing high school she released her solo debut, 1994's Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, which went platinum. After marrying her producer R. Kelly, Aaliyah retuned in 1996 with her album One in a Million. Aaliyah was widely known for her talent as an actress and a singer. With songs such as "One in a Million" and "Try Again", she became a big hit. Aaliyah was featured in the soundtrack with "" and also in the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack with "Are You That Somebody." Her third album Aaliyah debuted at #2 after being released two months ago, but after six weeks it had slipped to #19, however, due to her fans support, her CD is back on top at #1.

Aaliyah starred in the movie and was working on Matrix 2, as well as Matrix 3. She had also just completed another movie called Queen of the Damned. When asked about her thoughts on this event, Sophomore Nikki De Rosales stated, " Aaliyah was and still is one of my favorite female entertainers. Her beauty, kindness and talent inspired me to work hard for anything that I want in life." Senior Charnell Lawson said, "When I heard about her death I didn't believe it at first, I was shocked. She was like a in our time."

When this tragic incident occurred, Aaliyah was coming back from where she was working on her "Rock The Boat" video. After the plane took off, it traveled approximately 200 ft, and then crashed to the ground. The crash may have resulted from too much weight. The plane was loaded with fuel and cargo to a weight of 5,495 pounds with the maximum authorized takeoff weight being 6,300 pounds. That only left 805 pounds available for the passenger and , just under 90 pounds per person. Therefore, officials believe that the additional passenger weight coupled with the cargo weight is the primary cause of the crash. Other individuals killed in the accident included Aaliyah's makeup artist Eric Foreman, 29, Hollywood, California, representative Douglas Kratz, 28, Hollywood, California, Anthony Dodd, 34, Los Angeles, California, Scott Gallin, 41, Pompano Beach, Florida, Keith Wallace, 49, Los Angeles, California, Gina Smith, 29, New Jersey, Christopher Maldonada, 32, , and L. Marael. When asked

1 of 2 6/30/2008 3:59 PM and cared about her fans. When I heard about her death I was A Rising Star Falls devastated." http://elsegundousd.com/eshs/bayeagle/features/september/aaliyah.htm

Aaliyah was transported from Campbell Funeral Home to St. Ignatius Church Friday morning, August 23, in a white casket on a white carriage pulled by two white horses. Dozens of white and pink roses lay on the top of the carriage. Her boyfriend, , and one of her Romeo Must Die co-stars, Delroy Lindo, were among the loved ones who walked the streets behind the carriage. Friends, family, and fans paid their respects by attending her funeral and by writing messages on a mural of her in L.A.

Aaliyah was truly loved and inspired many to work hard and never stop. Through her music, she touched the hearts of many people and as her fans took her words and applied it to their lives, they found power in themselves. Aaliyah's music will live with us forever and she will never be forgotten. She was an inspiration and touched many lives with her music. May she forever rest in peace.

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