Lesley Nicole, former backup dancer for Aaliyah, reflects on last moments with singer
Lesley Nicole, the former backup dancer of the late singer Aaliyah, recently shared some poignant memories about her final moments with the iconic artist before her tragic death. Aaliyah, known for hits like “Rock The Boat,” tragically passed away in a plane crash in August 2001 after filming her “Rock the Boat” music video, leaving behind a lasting impact on the music industry and her devoted fans.
During an appearance on Shawn Stockman’s On That Note podcast in April 2025, Nicole reflected on her time working with Aaliyah during the video shoots for “More Than a Woman” and “Rock the Boat.” She vividly recounted the sense of apprehension that surrounded their trip to the Bahamas for the latter video, describing the small, poorly maintained aircraft they boarded as unsettling.
Recalling the moment they set off for the Bahamas, Nicole confessed, “Flying to the Bahamas, we said, ‘All this for an eight-count.'” She elaborated on the unease she felt, saying, “The planes felt sketchy. We were walking across the tarmac toward these little planes, and something didn’t feel right.” Despite the discomfort, Aaliyah was resolute about returning home, telling her crew, “No, I’m going to go, but I’ll see you in New York for the next rehearsal.”
Tragically, Aaliyah, along with several others who shared her urgency to return, boarded the ill-fated flight. Nicole shared that this final meeting with Aaliyah marked the last time she saw the beloved singer alive. On August 25, 2001, Aaliyah and eight others lost their lives in a plane crash moments after takeoff, following the completion of the “Rock the Boat” video shoot in the Bahamas.
The crash claimed the lives of six individuals immediately, with three others, including Aaliyah, succumbing to their injuries soon after. Investigations revealed disturbing details about the pilot, Luis Antonio Morales, who had cocaine in his system and alcohol in his stomach at the time of the crash. Just two weeks before the accident, Morales had received probation for cocaine possession and, notably, lacked the proper qualifications to operate the aircraft.
The tragic circumstances of Aaliyah’s untimely death continue to resonate deeply within the music industry and among her devoted fanbase. At just 22 years old, Aaliyah was on the brink of a promising career and had already made a considerable impact on the R&B scene. Despite the passage of time, the memory of Aaliyah and the details of her final moments remain vivid for those who knew and adored her, underscoring the enduring legacy of this talented singer.
Reflecting on her tragic end, Aaliyah’s absence is felt profoundly by both her fans and fellow artists, who remain awestruck by her influence and the legacy she left behind. As the music world continues to mourn her loss, Aaliyah’s memory lives on through her timeless music and the cherished moments she shared with those closest to her.