Fans and family members have been devastated by the news that Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera is suspected to be dead after she was involved in a plane crash over the weekend in Mexico. Rivera was only 43 and a mother to five children.
The fatal crash occurred on Dec. 9, shortly after 3 a.m. The singer had finished a performance in Mexico just hours before boarding her small plane, a 1969 Learjet 25. Ten minutes after the plane took off, something went wrong and the plane plunged 28,000 feet to the ground.
Although officials reported that no one survived the small plane crash, officials have not been able to identify Rivera’s body yet. Her family reported that DNA testing is being done on some remains that were found at the crash site.
The tragic accident is still under investigation. It is not certain whether a mechanical malfunction or pilot error caused the fatal crash. Mexican authorities reported that shortly after the plane took off, air traffic controllers had suddenly lost all communication with the two pilots who were operating Rivera’s aircraft.
It is believed that the plane plunged to the ground at a speed of about 600 mph. Wreckage from the plane crash was spread over several hundred yards. One official reporting on the crash had stated, “The plane practically nose-dived. The impact must have been terrible.” And it was terrible. Investigators found clothes at the crash site and discovered remains that were not recognizable.
Rivera’s fans and family members are in shock. In Mexico, Rivera was one of the top-grossing female singers.
Accidents like this are tragic, but these types of accidents often leave families with many unanswered questions. What happened? Who is responsible? Could anything have been done to prevent such a horrific accident? With the help of a personal injury attorney, families may be able to find some answers. When negligence is a factor in a serious or fatal plane crash, victims and families may also be entitled to obtain compensation for their pain, suffering, and other damages.
Source: Los Angeles Times, “Jenni Rivera’s plane plunged 28,000 feet, officials say,” Aldofo Flores, Dec. 12, 2012
Our Los Angeles personal injury law firm helps victims of aviation accidents and family members of those who have been killed in plane crashes, including fatal crashes similar to the one discussed in today’s blog post. To learn more about protecting crash victims’ rights and the rights of surviving family members, please visit our California private plane crash attorney page.