
Listen To Story Above
A tragic collision between an American Airlines flight and a Blackhawk military helicopter over Washington, DC on Wednesday evening involved several figure skaters among its passengers.
In an official statement, US Figure Skating revealed that numerous “athletes, coaches and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the US Figure Skating Championships.”
The organization expressed their grief, stating “We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts.”
The figure skaters and coaches returning from the recent U.S. national championships in Wichita, Kansas, were aboard the American Airlines flight that collided with a Black Hawk helicopter.
Always feels more devastating when so many young people are killed. pic.twitter.com/TVh4WAN1ZJ— I am Ken (@Ikennect) January 30, 2025
They added, “We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.”
The total number of figure skaters aboard the tragic flight, which carried 60 passengers and four crew members, remains undisclosed, and US Figure Skating has yet to confirm any casualties.
Particular concern has arisen regarding young athlete Spencer Lane, who shared an Instagram Stories photo prior to the flight’s departure from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport to Ronald Reagan National Airport.
In his post, Lane wrote, “I learned so much new information that I can apply to my everyday life, and met so many amazing people! Thank you @usfigureskating and the local organizing committee for making everything happen. And lastly, huge thank you to all the amazing friends, coaches, and faculty that I have met over the last week, it was such an amazing experience.”
“Skating is a very close and tight-knit community"
Former figure skater, Nancy Kerrigan talks to the media at the Skating Club of Boston, whose members have died in the Washington DC plane crash
Latest ➡️ https://t.co/ulZrZCpNgx
📺 Sky 501, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/jxjks8O6k6
— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 30, 2025
Among the passengers were Russian championship pair Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, as reported by Russian state news agencies.
During a press conference, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the incident without specifically naming the duo, stating, “We grieve and console with the families and friends who lost those of our fellow citizens who died in this plane crash. Sad news is being confirmed.”
The TikTok-famous couple had previously shared updates about the camp on Instagram while cheering for their son Maxim Naumov, noting “Once again, Maxim made us all proud, getting on to the podium at Nationals after 7th place in the short.”
Recovery efforts in the Potomac River have resulted in the retrieval of more than 30 bodies following the devastating crash.