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US Figure Skating Community Mourns Tragic Loss in DC Plane Crash
The devastating midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk military helicopter near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night has claimed the lives of several prominent figures in the world of figure skating, including athletes, coaches, and family members.
Several figure skaters, including championship couple Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were onboard Wednesday’s flight that collided with a military helicopter.AFP via Getty Images
Figure Skaters Among the Victims
According to US Figure Skating, many of the passengers on AA Flight 5342 were returning home from the National Development Camp held alongside the US Figure Skating Championships. The organization released a heartfelt statement:
“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.”
“Athletes … were returning home from the National Development Camp,” US Figure Skating said.Getty Images
Russian Championship Couple Among the Lost
Russian figure skating legends Evgenia Shishkova (52) and Vadim Naumov (55), known for their championship performances in the 1990s, were reportedly among the victims. The couple had been in Washington, D.C., supporting their son, Maxim Naumov, who had recently competed at the Nationals. They had been proud of Maxim’s “beautiful and emotional performance” and his podium placement following the event.While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov did not confirm their identities directly, he mourned the loss of Russian citizens onboard, stating, “We grieve and console with the families and friends who lost those of our fellow citizens who died in this plane crash.”
Concerns for US Athletes
Among the passengers was 26-year-old U.S. athlete Spencer Lane, whose last Instagram update before the flight sparked concern. Lane had posted a photo captioned “ICT [to] DCA,” referring to his flight route from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport to Reagan National Airport. Just days earlier, he had expressed gratitude for his time at the training camp, calling it “an amazing experience” and thanking US Figure Skating for the opportunity.
President Trump and National Response
In a White House press conference, President Trump called the event “a dark and excruciating night in our nation’s capital and in our nation’s history.” He extended condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the need for answers as investigations continue.
Recovery Efforts and Investigation
As of Thursday morning, 27 bodies had been recovered from the Potomac River, with officials stating there were likely no survivors. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, focusing on potential miscommunication and system failures that may have contributed to the collision.
A Loss Felt Globally
The tragic crash has sent shockwaves through both the U.S. and international figure skating communities. Athletes, coaches, and fans alike mourn the loss of promising talent, beloved public figures, and cherished family members. This tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the far-reaching impact of such disasters.
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