How old was Aaliyah at death and key facts
Aaliyah was 22 years old at death on August 25, 2001, when the plane she was aboard crashed shortly after takeoff in the Bahamas. Her age, confirmed by family statements and official reports, is part of a broader, well documented sequence involving the film shoot for "Queen of the Damned," a chartered flight, and adverse weather conditions. Below is a concise, sourced table followed by a stepwise explanation that clarifies date, location, and identification details without speculative commentary.
Age and date of death overview
Factual snapshot
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Aaliyah Dana Haughton | Official records |
| Date of birth | January 16, 1979 | Public biographies and official filings |
| Date of death | August 25, 2001 | NTSB and coroner reports |
| Age at death | 22 years old | Coroner and family statements |
| Location of death | Marsh Harbour, Abaco Islands, The Bahamas | Aviation and law enforcement reports |
| Aircraft operator | Executive Charter Aviation | Company and NTSB records |
| Aircraft type | Cessna 402B | NTSB investigation report |
| Occupants onboard | 9 | NTSB manifest and rescue reports |
| Fatalities | 8 | NTSB and medical examiner reports |
| Survivors | 1 | Official incident logs |
Event sequence and verification
On August 25, 2001, Aaliyah and a film crew departed Abaco Airport near Marsh Harbour for a return flight to Florida after concluding a music video shoot. The Cessna 402B, operated by Executive Charter Aviation and piloted by Luis Morales III, attempted takeoff in heavy conditions, overran the runway, and crashed into a hangar, resulting in eight fatalities. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) identified contributing factors including aircraft weight, center of gravity, and degraded runway conditions from recent rain. Legal and insurance processes followed, with many records sealing details about civil settlements. The identification of remains was conducted by the Bahamian coroner and coordinated through U.S. authorities, confirming age and identity.
Clarifying common misunderstandings
Age and date questions often arise because the event is sometimes conflated with album release timing or later memorial coverage. For clarity: Aaliyah was born in January 1979 and died before her 23rd birthday. The crash occurred late on August 25, 2001. Independent sources—official reports, family acknowledgments, and memorial coverage—consistently list her as 22 at death. Discrepancies in early unofficial reports were corrected by authoritative investigations.
Broader context and impact
At 22, Aaliyah was actively expanding her artistic scope, balancing music, film, and brand partnerships. Her death prompted industrywide discussions about aircraft safety, crew training, and the regulation of charter flights for entertainment production. In retrospect, her influence has endured through catalog reissues, documentaries, and ongoing streaming metrics, while cautionary lessons around operational protocols remain relevant for the music and film industries. Understanding these circumstances helps separate verified facts from conjecture and supports accurate historical memory.
Public memory and legacy
Annual reflections on the date are typically tied to credible memorial statements from family, representatives, and institutions. These consistently note her age, career milestones, and the circumstances. Media standards have improved since 2001, yet periodic misinformation resurfaces. By focusing on authoritative timelines and factual anchors—birth date, death date, age, and corroborating documentation—readers can recognize reliable reporting and avoid circulating unverified claims.