The tragic collision of American Eagle Flight 5342 with a military helicopter near Washington, D.C., has claimed the lives of several figures from the close-knit world of figure skating. Among those aboard were elite U.S. and Russian skaters, coaches, and family members, all returning home from competitions. The flight had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was on its final approach to Reagan National Airport when the disaster struck on the evening of January 29, 2025.
Reports indicate the American Airlines flight, which was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter before crashing straight down to the Potomac River. Authorities fear there are no survivors. U.S. Figure SkATING confirmed the tragic news, stating, “We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts.” The powerful impact of this loss reverberated across the figure skating community.
Among the well-known figures on board were Russian coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, both former world champions who had made significant contributions to the sport since relocating to the United States. The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the deaths, adding, “It’s bad news out of Washington.” Their son, Max, had participated at the U.S. Figure SkATING Championships but returned home safely before this tragic event.
Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the SkATING Club of Boston, spoke poignantly about the community ties, saying, “SkATING is a very close and tight-knit community. These kids and their parents... we've lost family.” His remarks echoed the sentiments of countless others delving deep within the heartache shared among the athletes and their families.
The 2025 U.S. Figure SkATING Championships had concluded just two days earlier, and many on the flight were taking part in the National Development Camp, aimed at nurturing top-performing youth athletes for the future of Team USA. It serves as both an educational experience and a qualifier event—a path turned tragic.
The American Airlines jet was approaching Reagan National around 9 p.m. local time when it struck the helicopter. Eyewitnesses recounted the chaos as first responders quickly mobilized, but the situation turned dire as the overnight rescue operation transitioned to recovery efforts. Officials now report at least 28 bodies have already been recovered from the icy waters of the Potomac.
This horrific event recalls the sobering memory of the 1961 plane crash, wherein 72 people, including the entire U.S. figure skating team, tragically lost their lives on their way to competition. Isolated tragedies like these mark the history of figure skating, shaping its community and collective consciousness.
World champion Ilia Malinin shared his condolences on social media, stating, “Praying for everyone affected by this tragedy,” reflecting the deep sorrow present among the athletes left behind. Leaders like Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, have also extended heartfelt sympathies, acknowledging the potential involvement of Olympians among the victims. “Our thoughts are with all the victims, their families, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” he noted.
Recovery operations are being led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which aims to understand what went wrong, particularly how such experienced pilots and aircraft could collide. Investigators are expected to analyze both the plane and helicopter's flight paths extensively.
The poignant reality of this situation reveals itself as the community band together to cope with the loss. With the air traffic procedures under scrutiny and many questions still unanswered, the focus necessitates on honoring the memory of those lost. For now, mourning envelops the circle of skaters, coaches, and friends, as many simply try to process the loss, yet again reminding the community of life’s fragility.
American Airlines’ CEO expressed deep sympathy for the passengers and families involved, and rest assured, they promise to support the grieving families at this difficult time as they navigate through their immense loss. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, alongside state officials, has emphasized their commitment to supporting the recovery operation and ensuring safety measures are fully implemented for the future.
Throughout the nation, condolences and prayers flow for the victims and their families. Indeed, this tragedy leaves an indelible mark on the figure skating world, reverberated by the community’s collective grief.
Figure skating, it seems, is not just about athletic triumphs but woven tightly within its fabric is a network of relationships and shared experiences, many of which were lost on the fateful night of January 29.