Beverly Eckert, 9/11 Widow, Among Victims of Buffalo Plane Crash

Beverly Eckert, a woman whose husband died in the 9/11 terror attacks, was killed on the Buffalo plane crash of Continental flight 3407 late Thursday night, reports indicate. Eckert had been flying to her hometown to honor her late husband’s 58th birthday, her friends say.

Beverly Eckert had become a visible advocate of 9/11-related causes since the death of her husband, Sean Rooney, in the attacks. She had visited with President Barack Obama just days ago to discuss how his team would deal with terror suspects. She previously chaired the 9/11 Family Steering Committee and helped push for the creation of a 9/11 Commission.

Sean Rooney was in the World Trade Center on 9/11. He was on the phone with Eckert when the plane struck. Eckert was set to present a scholarship created in his honor at a Buffalo high school Friday.

A full passenger list from Continental flight 3407 has yet to be released. Details about past incidents involving the same type of Bombardier Q400 plane — which was cut entirely from another airline’s fleet due to safety concerns — can be found here. Eyewitness video of the crash can be located in our initial report here.