Husband of woman killed in plane window tragedy speaks out

Jennifer Riordan, 43, was killed when one of the engines on a Southwest Airlines plane smashed through the window next to her seat last week and she was partially pulled out.

While other passengers tried desperately to save her, the mum-of-two couldn't be revived. A coroner revealed she had died of blunt force trauma to the head, neck and torso.

Now, her husband Michael has told the ABC how he broke the news to their two children, aged 10 and 12.

Mr Riordan, who was informed about his wife's death by a doctor, said he knelt down with his son and daughter and told them they would spend the rest of their lives 'with mummy in our hearts.'

 

'I immediately thought of the kids and how do you tell your kids their mom was gone,' he told ABC News.

 

But he admitted to their children that he didn't 'know what that means for the rest of our lives yet.'

Michael and Jennifer had been married for 20 years, after first meeting as teenagers.

 

Michael said he last spoke to his wife before she boarded the plane.

 

'She called just to say, 'I'm going to the airport,' and we said, 'love you, safe travels',' he said.

 

At the weekend, hundreds of mourners turned out to pay tribute to the much loved wife and mother.

In a statement released by the family, they called Jennifer the 'bedrock of our 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. 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,' the statement said.

'We are so appreciative of the outpouring of support from family, friends and our community. 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.'