Woman Who Died After Southwest Plane Engine Explosion Finally Identified
Apr. 18 2018, Updated 3:29 p.m. ET
The woman who died after the Southwest Airlines plane engine explosion this Tuesday, has been identified. As RadarOnline.com has learned, the passenger was Jennifer Riordan, a mother-of-two and a New Mexico bank executive.
When the aircraft's engine exploded, the shrapnel was sent flying onto Riordan's window, ripping it and sucking the woman out of the plane. While nearby passengers were able to pull her back in, she was critically injured, and eyewitnesses reported she'd gone into cardiac arrest following the scare.
As RadarOnline.com reported, the plane — which was headed from New York to Dallas — made an emergency landing in Philadelphia after the engine combusted. No other passengers were killed.
After Riordan was confirmed dead, her family shared a touching statement on social media.
"Jennifer Riordan has passed away as a result of previously reported events on Southwest Airlines flight #1380," the message read. "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."
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"We are so appreciative of the outpouring of support from family, friends and our community," continued the statement. "We do ask that those who seek to express their condolences and prayers, as well as media outlets, respect our privacy at this time. Our family and friends need this time to both grieve and celebrate Jennifer's impact on us all. In her memory — please remember to always be kind, loving, caring, and sharing."
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, and former Mayor, Richard Berry, shared their condolences over social media, both saying they were heartbroken by the news and wished the Riordan family well during this difficult time.
RIP Jennifer Riordan.
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