Former American Airlines Flight Attendant Who Founded Charity Organization Killed in Apparent Murder-Suicide

A 68-year-old woman who police say was killed by her husband in an apparent murder-suicide is being mourned by her community for her generosity and kindness.

Eileen Clifford was found fatally shot in her Islip, N.Y., home by officers responding to a report of a gunshot victim early morning on Thursday, Feb. 20, the Suffolk County Police Department said in a press release.

Police determined she was killed by her husband, 73-year-old William Clifford, who then turned the gun on himself, per the press release. 

Clifford was found inside the home after an individual called 911 about a man lying with a gunshot wound outside the residence, according to police. 

In a description of her on her Gun Violence Memorial tribute page, Eileen is remembered for her “vivacious” and “generous” personality.

Eileen, a former flight attendant with American Airlines, founded the Long Island chapter of the Kiwi Club, a social charity organization for current and former flight attendants for the company.

Her volunteer work earned her a service award given by former president George W. Bush and an induction into the flight attendant Hall of Fame, according to the Kiwi Club website.

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On the Kiwi Club website, Eileen wrote that her volunteer work, along with “an engaging life with my dear, wonderful husband Bill, keeps me fulfilled, busy and alive!”

Her longtime friend Shelly Wool told Daily Voice that the victim was “the kindest person you could ever meet.” Wool added, “The fact that I will never see her again in this lifetime just guts me to my core.”

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.