Aaliyah was a rising R&B star and actress whose life was tragically cut short at just 22. Known for hits like “Rock the Boat” and “Try Again”, she died in a plane crash on August 25, 2001, in the Bahamas after filming a music video.
The flight was overloaded by 700 pounds, and the pilot—who was not licensed to fly the plane—had a criminal record. Disturbingly, reports later claimed Aaliyah had taken a sleeping pill and was carried aboard while unconscious.
Before her passing, Aaliyah’s career was marred by a controversial secret marriage to R. Kelly when she was just 15. Allegations later surfaced that the marriage was meant to protect Kelly from legal consequences. Though they parted ways, the scandal followed her legacy.
Aaliyah’s family later filed a lawsuit over the crash and settled out of court. Despite her short life, Aaliyah left an enduring legacy in music and fashion, influencing generations of artists.