How did Aaliyah die?

Aaliyah died on Aug. 25, 2001, when her private plane crashed shortly after take-off from the Bahamas, also killing the pilot and seven other passengers. A memorial service was held on Aug. 31, 2001, in Manhattan.

The National Transportation Safety Board concluded that the primary cause of the crash was the plane being 700 pounds over its maximum weight limit. Pilot error was also determined to be a contributing factor in the crash, with an autopsy report revealing traces of alcohol and cocaine in the pilot's body before take-off. Aaliyah was set to return to the United States following completion of her music video, "Rock the Boat."