The close-knit figure skating community was devastated on Wednesday when an American Airlines flight carrying athletes, parents, and coaches returning from a development camp in Wichita, Kansas, collided with an Army helicopter before crashing into the Potomac River, reports AP.
All 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the flight, along with three soldiers on the Blackhawk helicopter, are presumed dead. Among those lost were young skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, their mothers, and coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, all representing the renowned Skating Club of Boston.
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The tragedy echoes the haunting memory of the 1961 plane crash that claimed the lives of the U.S. figure skating team en route to the world championships in Prague. Many of those lost, including sisters Laurie and Maribel Owen, had also been members of the Boston club.
“I’m in total shock. I don’t even know what to say. Young skaters, coaches, parents—so many bright lights in our community. My heart goes out to the victims and their families.” — Two-time and reigning U.S. champion Amber Glenn.
“I’m devastated by the tragic loss of my fellow skaters in this heartbreaking accident. The figure skating community is like a family, and this loss is beyond words. My thoughts are with their families, friends, and everyone affected. We will never forget them.” — Three-time U.S. and reigning world champion Ilia Malinin.
“My heart aches for my skating community and everyone affected by this crash. So much is still unknown. Sending love and prayers.” — Former Olympic and world champion Kristi Yamaguchi.
“My heart is with my skating family today. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this horrific tragedy. I’m at a loss for words for my friends Evgenia Shishkova & Vadim Naumov and their son Maxim.” — Former Olympic and world champion Brian Boitano.
“There are no words. Nothing can truly capture the devastation of the plane crash in Washington, D.C., last night. This tragedy has taken the lives of skaters, coaches, parents, and officials. My heart is shattered for our skating community.” — Former Olympic and world champion Scott Hamilton.
“I had the privilege of working with many of the kids on that flight. They were incredible—strong, driven, funny, and kind. I can’t even begin to process this horror.” — Two-time U.S. pairs champion Ashley Cain-Gribble.
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“Skating is a deeply connected, tight-knit community. These kids and their parents are at our facility in Norwood six, sometimes seven days a week. The bonds are incredibly strong. This will have a lasting impact on our skating family.” — Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Skating Club of Boston.
“We are devastated to hear that figure skaters, along with their families, friends, and coaches, were among those on board. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.” — U.S. Figure Skating.
“The International Skating Union and the global skating community are in shock over the tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C. We are heartbroken to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends, and coaches, were among those on board. We are in close contact with U.S. Figure Skating and offer our full support during this immensely difficult time.” — International Skating Union.
“In today’s world, people are often removed from tragedy, almost desensitised to it. But when it involves someone you know, someone you love and care about, it becomes painfully real. Many of us are in deep pain and struggling to comprehend this loss.” — Boston-based skating choreographer Adam Blake.
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