Aaliyah reportedly expressed concerns about the plane before her fatal crash. Her former boyfriend, Damon “Dame” Dash, recently recalled their final exchange. The revelation comes on the 25th anniversary of the Princess of R&B’s death.
Damon Dash says Aaliyah told him she didn’t like the plane before boarding the flight
Aaliyah was in the Bahamas filming her “Rock the Boat” music video. The singer was preparing to return to Florida after completing the shoot. She ultimately boarded a twin-engine Cessna 402B on Aug. 25, 2001.
Dash claimed Aaliyah contacted him before getting on the aircraft. She reportedly told him she did not feel comfortable with the plane. Dash said he immediately advised her against boarding it.
“She texted me saying, ‘I don’t like the plane,’” Dash told Us Weekly. He responded, saying, “Don’t get on it.” Aaliyah reportedly explained that she needed to fly after completing the video. Dash also claimed Aaliyah had always been afraid of planes. He said she traveled with a satin pillow for reassurance. He described it as her “good-luck pillow” during flights.
“She knew the plane wasn’t right,” Dash reportedly said during the interview. He also suggested Aaliyah wanted to return home quickly. She allegedly told him she would complete the video and come back.
Aaliyah was only 22 when the devastating crash occurred. The plane crashed less than one minute after leaving the runway. She and eight other people died in the accident. An investigation later uncovered several contributing factors. The aircraft was reportedly overloaded by approximately 700 pounds. Investigators also found that the weight was unevenly distributed.
The pilot, Luis Antonio Morales, was also reportedly not authorized to fly the aircraft. Investigators found alcohol and cocaine in his system. These findings added further scrutiny to the tragic accident.
Aaliyah’s death shocked fans and the entertainment industry worldwide. Her final studio album had been released shortly before her death. Her music continued to gain recognition after the tragedy.
Dash’s account offers a personal perspective on her last known communication. However, his recollection remains his account of their final exchange.
