A tragic plane crash near Washington, D.C., took the lives of young figure skaters, coaches, and parents. The skating world is mourning this heartbreaking loss.
The U.S. figure skating community is devastated after a plane crash near Washington, D.C., killed several young skaters, their parents, and coaches.
The American Airlines flight had 64 people on board and was heading from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington when it crashed into a U.S. Army helicopter. Officials say they don’t expect any survivors.
Many of the skaters, coaches, and parents on the flight had just attended the National Development Camp, which was held alongside the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Kansas.
“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” U.S. Figure Skating said.
Also Read: Warriors Unsure About Trading for Jimmy Butler
Reports say at least 14 people on the flight were connected to the skating community.
Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said:
“These young skaters had such bright futures. They showed true dedication, perseverance, and hope.”
The Skating Club of Boston confirmed six of its members were lost in the crash: skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, their mothers Jin Han and Christine Lane, and coaches Vadim Naumov and Yevgenia Shishkova.
Naumov and Shishkova, who were married, won the 1994 World Championship in pairs skating. They had lived in the U.S. since at least 1998, training young skaters.
“Our club and the entire skating world have suffered a terrible loss. Skating is a close community—we are like family,” the club said.
Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, who trained at the Skating Club of Boston, was in shock.
“The kids here work so hard, and their parents make big sacrifices. My heart goes out to the skaters, their families, and everyone on that plane.”
Sixteen-year-old skater Spencer Lane had posted photos and videos from the camp on Instagram before the crash. He was excited to be there, calling it a dream come true. His final post showed a plane wing with the caption “ICT (to) DCA,” referring to his flight from Wichita to Washington.
Doug Zeghibe, director of the Skating Club of Boston, spoke about the coaches lost in the crash.
“Naumov loved working with kids. And you couldn’t see Genia without her making you smile.”
Former Soviet skater and Washington Figure Skating Club coach Inna Volyanskaya was also on board, according to reports.
The Washington Figure Skating Club shared a statement:
“We are heartbroken to hear the news of American Eagle flight 5342. Our thoughts and prayers are with our skating family.”
Skaters across the country are mourning. 2024 men’s singles world champion Ilia Malinin said:
“I’m heartbroken over this tragic loss. The skating community is a family, and this is beyond words.”
Also Read: Justin Tucker Denies Allegations, NFL and Ravens Respond