Aaliyah’s Uncle Blames His Own Son for the Singer’s Death

Twenty-five years after Aaliyah’s death, a family dispute has placed responsibility for the fatal flight at the center of a legal battle. Barry Hackerson, the singer’s uncle, blames his son Jomo for the crash that killed Aaliyah and the eight other people aboard.

Aaliyah, known as the “Princess of R&B,” was 22 and building a promising career when she died. The accident occurred after she traveled to the Bahamas to film the video for her single “Rock the Boat.” The private aircraft crashed moments after taking off.

Barry’s lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, says Jomo had been paid to coordinate Aaliyah’s return trip and handle flight-related arrangements for her team. According to his father, Jomo failed to complete that task. When Aaliyah realized that no return flight to the United States had been arranged, Barry says, she took a private plane that did not provide safe conditions for its passengers.

The crash was previously linked to possible excess baggage. Toxicology tests also reportedly indicated that the pilot may have used cocaine and alcohol. The other passengers were Anthony Dodd, Eric Foreman, Scott Gallin, Keeth Wallace, Gina Smith, Douglas Kratz, Christopher Maldonado and Luis Morales.

Barry says his relationship with Jomo never recovered after Aaliyah’s death. Jomo has filed a countersuit, alleging that his father violated an agreement concerning the singer’s music rights and owes him 12% of her posthumous earnings. Barry rejects that claim and says Jomo tried to exploit Aaliyah’s legacy by threatening to release unreleased music unless he received money he says he was owed.