Several members of the U.S. figure skating community were on board the passenger jet that crashed in Washington after a midair collision with a military helicopter, U.S. media reported Thursday.
Tragic loss for the figure skating community
“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” US Figure Skating said in a statement, as reported by The Washington Post.
The victims included skaters, coaches, and family members who were returning from the National Development Camp, an elite training program held in Wichita, Kansas. The camp, which ran in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships from January 20 to 26, extended until January 28 for select athletes in an advanced training program.
Skaters mourn the loss of their colleagues
Team USA pair skater Luke Wang expressed his grief on social media, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “Praying for all those on the flight from Wichita to D.C. Among the passengers were skaters and coaches. Absolutely heartbreaking.”
Ethan Peal, a Team USA ice dancer, also shared his shock and sorrow, stating, “I am in shock. Praying for families and my skating community.”
Russian figure skating champions reportedly among the victims
Russian figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who won the 1994 world championship in pairs figure skating, were also reportedly on board the doomed flight. The Russian state-run TASS news agency cited sources confirming their presence on the American Airlines jet.
Their son, Maxim Naumov, a 23-year-old figure skater representing Team USA, recently competed in the U.S. Championships in Wichita, earning a podium finish. It remains unclear whether he was on the flight with his parents.
Details of the crash and ongoing investigation
The American Airlines regional jet collided with a U.S. Army Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, according to officials.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the jet, a Bombardier CRJ700, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The Black Hawk helicopter was conducting a routine training flight with three soldiers on board when the crash occurred over the Potomac River.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the crash site, where wreckage was discovered in approximately seven feet of water. The aircraft reportedly split in two upon impact, while the helicopter was found upside down in an unstable position.
Images from the scene show emergency personnel on boats near what appears to be parts of the plane’s fuselage and a wing emerging from the river.
Authorities continue search and recovery efforts
Search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to recover victims and assess the cause of the collision. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA have launched investigations into the incident, with preliminary reports expected in the coming days.
This tragedy has sent shockwaves through the figure skating community and beyond, as friends, family, and fans mourn the loss of talented athletes and coaches who dedicated their lives to the sport.
