Singer Melanie Thornton
Killed in Plane Crash

Singer Melanie Thornton was killed in the crash of a Crossair Avro RJ100 near Zurich, Switzerland on 24 November 2001. The aircraft was on a flight from Berlin, Germany to Zurich, Switzerland when it crashed into a wooded area about two miles (3.2 km) from the runway during a night approach to Zurich's airport. Thornton was one of the 24 passeners and crew killed during the crash. Also killed were two members of the pop trio Passion Fruit, Maria Serrano-Serrano and Nathaly van het Ende. The third member of the group, Debby St. Marteen, survived.

Prior to her solo career, Thorton led the dance act La Bouche to a series of hit CDs including "Sweet Dreams," and "S.O.S." Ms. Thornton left the group in early 2000 for an independent career. At the time of her death, she was on tour to promote her solo album "Ready to Fly". The CD, which included the single "Heartbeat," had been scheduled for release two days after the crash. Another single, "Wonderful Dream," had also been chosen for a Coca-Cola TV commercial.

Date: 24 November 2001
Location: near Zurich, Switzerland
Aircraft: Avro RJ100
Swiss Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau: Accident Report

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