The figure skating community is in mourning following the tragic crash of American Airlines Flight 5342, which occurred on Wednesday evening as it was preparing to land at Reagan Washington National Airport. The plane collided with a US Army helicopter, leading to a catastrophic accident that is believed to have claimed the lives of over 60 individuals, including 14 prominent skaters and coaches returning from a development camp after the US National Figure Skating Championships held in Wichita, Kansas.
Among the victims were two 16-year-old skaters, Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, alongside their mothers, Jin Han and Molly Lane. The Skating Club of Boston confirmed that they were all on the flight, which was intended to bring them back home. The club’s announcement was especially poignant, as it highlighted the close-knit nature of the figure skating community where many members train almost daily. Doug Zeghibe, the club’s CEO, expressed profound sorrow, stating that such a tragedy would have lasting effects on their community, which is characterized by strong bonds and collective experiences.
Reports indicated that the crash also involved Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, a married couple who were celebrated coaches and former world champions in pairs figure skating, having won the title in 1994 and competed in two Olympic Games. Their son, Maxim, a talented skater who earned the title of US junior men’s champion in 2020, had participated in the championships but had left earlier in the week, thus escaping the tragedy.
The list of those believed to be on board included numerous young skaters, many being children of Russian émigrés residing in the United States. The Russian media outlet Mash reported that 13 skaters were thought to have been on the flight. Among others reportedly on board was Inna Volyanskaya, a former Soviet Union competitor who became a prominently recognized coach at a Washington figure skating club.
The devastating news reverberated through the skating world and beyond, prompting widespread condolences. US Figure Skating, the governing body for the sport, released a statement expressing their grief and extending support to the victims’ families. “We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” the organization expressed.
The International Skating Union (ISU) also responded, emphasizing the unity of the global skating family. They expressed their heartbreak over the loss, reiterating that figure skating transcends mere competition; it embodies a familial bond among its members. ISU President Jae Youl Kim articulated his sympathies, acknowledging the immense sorrow felt throughout the community as they grappled with the loss of so many beloved individuals in such a tragic manner.
In a tribute at the European Figure Skating Championships taking place in Tallinn, Estonia, a moment of silence was observed to honor the victims. Various skating clubs across the United States, including the Skating Club of Phoenix, shared heartfelt messages on social media, expressing their devastation over the tragic event.
Olympic officials also publicly conveyed their condolences, with some senior members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who were gathered for an election event in Lausanne, acknowledging the magnitude of the loss. Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, remarked on the grievous impact the tragedy had on the sporting community, highlighting the presence of Olympians among those who perished. Another IOC president candidate, Juan Samaranch Jnr, expressed that the heartbreaking loss of life puts everything into perspective.
The Kremlin confirmed that the two renowned coaches and several other Russian nationals were on the flight, prompting the spokesperson Dmitry Peskov to relay condolences to the families and friends affected by this tragedy, marking it as deeply unsettling news from Washington.
In the wake of the accident, American skater Luke Wang took to social media to express his sorrow, emphasizing the heartbreak felt throughout the skating community. “We pray for everyone on the flight from Wichita to DC. Among the passengers were skaters and coaches,” he shared, confirming the irreparable loss.
