‘AGT’ Singer Kechi Okwuchi Survived Plane Crash 14 Years Ago, Tweets She’s ‘Grateful to God’ on Anniversary

Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images

December 10, 2019, marked 14 years since the tragic Nigerian plane crash that claimed 108 lives and spared just two. World-famous “America’s Got Talent” contestant Kechi Okwuchi was one of the lucky survivors.

On the anniversary of the tragedy, the Nigerian-American singer took to Twitter to remember the victims of the crash and voice gratitude for being able to “live her dream.”

Kechi at the "America's Got Talent: The Champions" finale in Pasadena, California, on Oct. 17, 2018 Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images

“On this day 14 yrs ago, my life almost ended at 16,” Kechi shared. “Today I am 30 yrs old & so grateful to God for allowing me to live for the precious souls that were lost on December 10, 2005.

“I am also grateful to you all, for your support as I live my dream. RIP angels,” Kechi wrote, beside the hashtag #NeverForgotten.

Screenshot/Kechi

Sosoliso Airlines domestic passenger flight 1145 took off from Abuja, Nigeria, with 110 passengers on board. Kechi was one of a group of 61 secondary school students from Loyola Jesuit College who were traveling home to be with their families for the Christmas holidays.

The flight crash-landed at Port Harcourt International Airport, where the plane’s empennage struck a concrete drainage structure. As per Jesuits East, the aircraft disintegrated and burst into flames upon impact.

Kechi performing onstage during WE Day UN at Barclays Center in New York City on Sept. 25, 2019 Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for WE Day

The cockpit separated from the main body of the airplane and slid along the taxiway. A 120-meter-long trail of wreckage followed in its wake.

Kechi received third-degree burns over 65 percent of her body. As per CNN, the then-16-year-old was given a mere 30 percent chance of survival by her doctors. She endured over 100 reconstructive surgeries, but the brave plane crash survivor never let her scars hold her back.

Kechi poses at WE Day UN at Barclays Center in New York City on Sept. 25, 2019. Craig Barritt/Getty Images for WE Day

Kechi was a finalist in the twelfth season of “America’s Got Talent” in 2017 and was later invited back for “America’s Got Talent: The Champions” in 2019.

Simon Cowell gave the popular singer his golden buzzer, sending her straight to the finals of the Champions season; Kechi was eliminated before the final five but continues to sing and speak at venues around the world.

Kechi (L) and founder Nancy Davis at the 25th Annual Race To Erase MS Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on April 20, 2018 Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Race To Erase MS

In response to Kechi’s moving Twitter tribute to the 108 souls lost in the ill-fated Nigerian flight 14 years ago, comments flooded in.

“You are phenomenal, Kechi. And your life in itself is a testimony of God’s grace and favor,” one supporter shared. “To go through something so life-changing and to still come out strong is more than an inspiration.”

“The scar[s] will always remind you of your inner strength and your ability to defeat the very thing that took many lives on that faithful day,” wrote another.

Kechi also shared a video on Facebook in which she explained her reasons for taking stock on the 14th anniversary of the plane crash.

“I make this post mainly to remind others, and most especially myself, of the promise that I made to live my life as fully and as wonderfully as possible on behalf of the 60 kids, the 60 angels who were on that plane with me,” Kechi said.

“I want to remind myself always to remember that I am living my life for them,” she added, “that my life is not just mine.”