Jennifer Riordan was the passenger killed after a Southwest Airlines plane with a damaged engine and a broken window made an emergency landing in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Riordan, 43, was a Wells Fargo bank executive and a mother of two from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was taken to a hospital after the plane landed but died from her injuries. Her death was the first fatal U.S. airline incident in the country since a Colgan Air crash in February 2009 killed all 49 passengers and crew members in Clarence, New York, Newsweek reported.

Here are some facts about Riordan:

Community-minded: Riordan was the vice president of community relations for Wells Fargo in Albuquerque. Her husband, Michael Riordan, had served as the COO for the city of Albuquerque, KOAT reported. Jennifer also served as a board member for the New Mexico Broadcasters Association for two years.

Family matters: Jennifer and Michael Riordan were married on June 15, 1996, according to Michael's Facebook page. The couple has two children, a daughter, Averie, 12; and a son, Joshua, 10.

Education: Riordan graduated with a bachelor's degree in organizational communications from the University of New Mexico in 1999, according to Mission: Graduate.

Why a passenger? Riordan was in New York City on a business trip and was headed home to her family when the accident happened.

Quotes about her: In a statement, Wells Fargo called her "a well-known leader who was loved and respected." Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said Albuquerque "lost a thoughtful leader who has long been part of the fabric of our community."

About the Author

Keep Reading

Orange Crush event organizers George Turner and Steven Smalls at the Tybee Pier on March 6, 2025 on Tybee Island, GA.(Justin Taylor/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Justin Taylor for The Atlanta Journal Constitution

Featured

Stacey Abrams speaks at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris at Georgia State University’s convocation center in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Abrams is at the center of speculation over whether she will mount a third campaign for governor. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC