On August 25, 2001, just after Aaliyah shot her video for “Rock the Boat” in the Bahamas, she and eight others boarded a plane to Florida. It went down shortly after takeoff. FADER 54 celebrates the life and music of Aaliyah; here, and throughout the month, we remember those who were with her:
(Read after the jump.)
Scott Gallin, Aaliyah’s bodyguard. He was 41 and lived in Pompano Beach, Florida with his then 14-year-old son, Lyle. He was an actor who played small roles and stunts in films such as Bad Boys and Holy Man.
Douglas Kratz, a director of video production for Virgin Records. He was 28 years old. When he passed, Virgin released this statement about him: “We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Virgin staff member Doug Kratz. Doug was an extremely dedicated and talented professional, whose enthusiasm, energy and spirit will be missed by everyone who worked alongside him everyday.”
Eric Foreman, 29, Aaliyah’s personal hair stylist, and Anthony Dodd, 32, also a stylist, who was Foreman’s business partner and close friend in Los Angeles. Dodd and Foreman grew up together in South Central and decided to work together after surviving a drive-by. Foreman and Dodd had also styled Sean Combs, Jennifer Lopez, Destiny’s Child, and Luther Vandross.
Keith Wallace, 49, and Gina Michelle Smith, 29, were employees at Blackground Records, the label run by Aaliyah’s uncle Barry Hankerson and her cousin Jomo Hankerson. Wallace was an executive and manager at the label from Los Angeles, while Smith had just taken a job as Aaliyah’s press and product manager. She resided in New Jersey.
Christopher Maldonado, make-up artist, 34, New York. He was filling in for Eric Ferrell, Aaliyah’s regular make-up artist, while Ferrell was touring with Macy Gray, and was best friends with Eric Foreman, her stylist. Previously, he had worked for Brandy.
Luis Morales III, Pilot. He was 30 years old.
