Beverly Eckert, who was among the 50 people killed when a commuter plane crashed outside Buffalo, N.Y. Eckert, was an inspiration to President Barack Obama.

Eckert was a widow who lost her husband, Sean Rooney, in the World Trade Center September 11 attacks. She was flying to Buffalo to launch a scholarship in his memory.

She had met with President Obama last week to discuss anti-terror measures and about how the new administration could deal with those suspected of terrorism.

(Eckert) was an inspiration to me and to so many others, and I pray that her family finds peace and comfort in the hard days ahead, Obama said after hearing the news, according to the Associated Press.

Eckert's husband, Sean worked at Aon Corp., a risk management firm, on the 98th floor of the World Trade Center's south tower.

Barack obama