A tragic plane crash near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night claimed the lives of 67 people, including Kiah Duggins, a well-known civil rights attorney and former Miss Kansas contestant. Duggins, 30, was a dedicated attorney with Civil Rights Corps, an organization focused on criminal justice reform. She grew up in Wichita, Kansas, and attended Wichita East High School before earning her undergraduate degree from Wichita State University and graduating from Harvard Law School.
In 2015, Duggins represented the Miss Kansas Organization as Miss Butler County, showcasing her commitment to community and advocacy. Former Sedgwick County Commissioner Lacey Cruse described her as “a brave and beautiful soul, a light in the fight for civil rights.” Cruse further shared that Duggins’ work and spirit would continue to inspire change, noting how deeply her loss would be felt by all who believe in justice and equality.
Duggins had been in Wichita visiting her family as her mother underwent surgery and was returning to her work in Washington at the time of the crash. Her family issued a statement requesting privacy as they cope with the grief of losing their “beautiful and accomplished firstborn.”
In her professional life, Duggins litigated cases related to unconstitutional policing and money bail practices in Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Her contributions to civil rights and justice were extensive and impactful. Additionally, she had planned to become a law professor at Howard University, a historically Black institution in Washington, D.C.
Local pageant director Larry Strong fondly remembered Duggins for her efforts in supporting underserved young women, particularly through her initiative, “The Princess Project,” which helped young girls gain access to higher education. Strong expressed how heartbreaking it was to lose someone with such a promising future. He extended his thoughts and prayers to Duggins’ family, knowing her legacy will live on in the community.
