Tragic plane crash claims lives of prominent figure skaters, coaches
The figure skating community is reeling from a devastating plane crash in Washington that left two former world champion coaches and a number of young American skaters dead, media reported.
The accident occurred when American Eagle Flight 5342, returning from a national development camp in Wichita, Kansas, collided midair with a US Army helicopter on Wednesday night, plunging into the Potomac River.
Among the victims were former Russian world pairs champions, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, along with up to 14 young skaters. President Donald Trump confirmed Thursday that there were no survivors.
A former US women’s champion, Nancy Kerrigan, expressed her grief, stating, “Not sure how to process it.” She broke down as she reflected on knowing some of the individuals on the flight.
US men’s champion Ilia Malinin described the loss as “beyond words,” emphasising the emotional toll on the skating community.
The Skating Club of Boston CEO Doug Zeghibe confirmed that six club members were aboard the ill-fated flight, including Shishkova and Naumov.
The passengers were returning from a camp aimed at nurturing the next generation of competitive skaters, and Zeghibe lamented the potential loss of future champions.
US Figure Skating released a statement expressing devastation over the tragedy and extending condolences to the victims’ families. Notably, skaters Jinna Han, 13, and Spencer Lane, 16, were among those lost, highlighting the deep impact on the sport.
Former Olympic champion Brian Boitano called the incident “a huge loss for the sport,” noting the profound effect such tragedies have on the community.
The accident has drawn comparisons to a similar tragedy in 1961, which claimed the lives of the US figure skating team en route to the world championships.
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International Skating Union President Kim Jae-youl expressed the “heartbreak” felt across the figure skating world, stating that the loss of so many community members brings “sadness beyond words.”
A moment of silence was observed at the European Figure Skating Championships in Estonia in remembrance of the victims.
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