Aaliyah's uncle blames cousin for role in her fatal plane crash
Barry Hankerson has filed legal documents accusing his son, Jomo Hankerson, of negligence regarding travel arrangements that led to the 2001 plane crash killing singer Aaliyah. The accusation is part of an ongoing legal dispute between the two over music assets and financial claims.
Why it matters
The case highlights long-standing legal and personal conflicts surrounding the estate and legacy of a prominent late entertainer.
Hear this story Aaliyah 's uncle is accusing his son, the late singer's cousin, of being partly responsible for her death.
Barry Hankerson accused Jomo Hankerson of mishandling travel arrangements for a Bahamas trip more than 25 years ago that ended in a plane crash that killed the 22-year-old singer and eight others, according to documents obtained by USA TODAY.
On Aug. 25, 2001, the Grammy-nominee and her crew were headed to Miami from the Bahamas, where they filmed her "Rock the Boat" music video, when their chartered flight crashed at Marsh Harbour airport moments after takeoff.
Jomo Hankerson was allegedly paid "to accompany and coordinate the travel of his late cousin" but "failed in his responsibility" to do so, per the filing.
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