The country is still reeling from Tuesday’s engine failure and tragedy on Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 from NYC to Dallas that claimed the life of Jennifer Riordan, a bank executive from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Riordan — who became the first person to die in a commercial air incident in the United States since 2009 — was nearly sucked out of the Southwest Airlines plane when the left engine apparently failed, exploded, and sent shrapnel piercing through the window by her seat.
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The Albuquerque native and mother of two was Vice President of Community Relations for Wells Fargo bank for nearly ten years, according to her LinkedIn account, but family, friends, and citizens in Albuquerque are remembering her for far more than her career.
In a statement released to the media, her family recalled Jennifer’s “vibrancy, passion, and love” while memorializing her after the tragedy (below):
“Jennifer’s vibrancy, passion and love infused our community and reached across our country. Her impact on everything and everyone she touched can never be fully measured. But foremost, she is the bedrock of our family. She and Mike wrote a love story unlike any other. Her beauty and love is evident through her children.”
“In her memory–please remember to always be kind, loving, caring, and sharing.” Jennifer Riordan’s family has released these photos and this statement. @kob4 #ABQ pic.twitter.com/JgTgdobfRw
— Erica Zucco 🇺🇸 (@ericazucco) April 17, 2018
So, so sad…
It’s apparent how much of an impact she had on others around her, both in life and in business, because Tim Keller, the current mayor of Albuquerque, released a statement about how Jennifer’s loss will be felt throughout the city (below):
pic.twitter.com/f3Pras9prs
— Mayor Tim Keller (@MayorKeller) April 18, 2018
He was further joined by the former mayor of Albuquerque, Richard Berry, as well (below):
No words can express the depth of our sadness at the passing of Jennifer Riordan. Maria and I send our deepest condolences to the Riordan family. Today our community lost a great leader and a beautiful person.
— Richard Berry (@citizen_berry) April 18, 2018
Clearly, her death has affected quite a few people in her community.
Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly also shared his condolences to the Riordan family (below):
“On behalf of the Southwest family, I want to extend my deepest sympathies for the family and the loved ones of our deceased customer. They are our immediate and primary concern and we will do all that we can to support them during this difficult time.”
A GoFundMe page has already been created by a family friend to help Jennifer’s husband and children during the aftermath of their horrible loss.
On the page, the family friend’s statement about Jennifer is as touching as anything (below):
“She was the team mom and everyone’s friend. I don’t think she ever met anybody who did not become more than just a friend. Her laugh was contagious and everyone wanted to be a part of her energy. You could not be unhappy around Jen. She made everybody’s life a little better. Losing Jen is a huge loss for this world.”
Ugh.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Riordan family, and all of Jennifer’s friends, loved ones, and colleagues, during this unimaginably difficult time.
PS — if you’d like to support the GoFundMe effort for the Riordan family, click HERE.
[Image via Facebook.]
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