'She is the bedrock of our family': Wells Fargo exec died on Southwest flight

Landon Haaf | WFAA-TV, Dallas-Fort Worth

Show Caption Hide Caption 1 dead, 7 injured after Southwest flight One person is dead after a Southwest flight with a blown engine made an emergency landing.

DALLAS — The woman who died after an engine blew apart on a Dallas-bound Southwest Airlines flight Tuesday was the lone casualty after a catastrophic engine failure hurled debris into a window and breaking a hole in the aircraft.

Jennifer Riordan's death marks the first death of a passenger because of an aircraft incident in Southwest's 51-year history.

In a statement, family members described Riordan, a Wells Fargo bank executive, as "the bedrock" of the family.

“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,” the statement read. “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. 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.”

Dallas-bound Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 out of New York had 144 passengers and a crew of five onboard, Southwest said in a statement.

Her LinkedIn page shows that Riordan was in the community relations department at Wells Fargo since 2008. She held a director level position before being promoted to vice president.

Riordan also was a board member of the New Mexico Broadcasters Association.

Riordan spent her early years in Vermont.

She attended Christ the King, a Catholic elementary school in Burlington, Vt. She got married at Christ the King church, said John Hughes, advancement director at Christ the King School.

She graduated in 1994 with an associate's degree in business from Champlain College, college spokesman Stephen Mease confirmed Wednesday.

A family friend said Riordan was a loving wife and mother who will be missed by "thousands" in New Mexico and nationwide.

“Today our world lost a beautiful soul. She was beloved and admired,” said Breanna Anderson. “A wifey who was always cheering for her hubby, praising his success and filling their home with warmth; a mother who lived for her two children, lovingly fostering their personalities, and supporting them in all their ambitions; an incredibly thoughtful friend, and an amazingly accomplished businesswoman.

“There are thousands of us in Albuquerque and likely around the country who were touched by the life of Jennifer Riordan and honored to call her a friend. Please keep her family in your hearts and prayers.”

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In a news conference Tuesday, Gary C. Kelly, CEO of Southwest Airlines said Riordan's loved ones were the airline's "primary concern" and expressed his condolences for their loss.

Seven other passengers were injured on Flight 1380, which made an emergency landing in Philadelphia after its departure from New York's LaGuardia Airport.

In a statement, Wells Fargo said they were saddened to learn of Riordan's death. "She was a well-known leader who was loved and respected. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends. Out of respect for the family and their privacy, we've nothing more to share at this time."

Contributing: John Bacon, USA TODAY; Elizabeth Murray and Brent Hallenbeck, The Burlington (Vt.) Free Press. Follow Landon Haaf on Twitter: @LandonHaaf