The international figure skating community was reeling on Thursday after details emerged about the tragic plane crash near Washington, D.C., raising stark fears of no survivors. U.S. Figure SkATING confirmed several of its members were aboard the flight, which collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on Wednesday evening.
Following the incident, which left at least 28 bodies found, authorities transitioned from search-and-rescue efforts to recovery operations. At the time of the crash, the flight had 64 individuals on board, and early reports suggest it may have included key figures from the skating world.
Doug Zeghibe, chief executive for the SkATING Club of Boston, revealed during a briefing on Thursday, “To the best of our knowledge, 14 skaters who were returning from the national development camp held after the U.S. Figure SkATING Championships were involved.” This grip-shattering accident felt all too familiar for those within the sport, echoing the painful memories of the 1961 plane crash which claimed the lives of the U.S. national figure skating team.
Prominent figures from the sport took to social media to express their horror and grief. Former Olympic silver medalist Ashley Wagner encapsulated the mourning community's sentiments with her post: “My heart breaks for my skating family today. I can’t put it to words what this feeling is – I’m horrified, heartbroken, devastated, and shocked. It makes you realize ‘my heart goes out to’ and ‘condolences to the families’ simply are not enough.”
Wagner's emotional outpouring was echoed by Olympic gold medalist and NBC figure skating analyst Tara Lipinski, who shared: “It’s unimaginable the loss. We will mourn their loss and ALWAYS remembering them. My heart is with all the families affected-that part I have no words for.” Such heartfelt words reflect the cohesive nature of the tight-knit skating family.
Johnny Weir, another highly respected figure within the community, expressed his support: “I’m praying for everyone affected by this tragic accident. Members of our skating family were on the flight returning home from Nationals in Wichita. We mourn their loss and pray for their families & loved ones.” This expression of unity showcases how intertwined the community truly is.
Nancy Kerrigan, another Olympic legacy, emotionally addressed the tragedy during a news conference: “I’ve never seen someone love skating as much as these two, and that's why I think it hurts so much,” referring to two of the victims from the SkATING Club of Boston, Spencer Lane and Jinna Hahn. Lane’s mother, Molly Lane, and Hahn’s mother, Jin Hahn, were also aboard the ill-fated flight.
Doug Zeghibe emphasized the far-reaching effects of the crash on the community, stating, “This will have long-reaching impacts for our skating community.” The sense of loss is palpable, and it reflects how sports can extend beyond competition and results – they create families.
This tragedy, on the heels of the recent U.S. Figure SkATING Championships, has cast a heavy shadow over the sport as seasoned skaters, coaches, and families come together to process the magnitude of loss. The recent event, previously attended by so many still mourning, makes the crash feel even more heart-wrenching.
Concluding the series of tributes and gratitude, the president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, issued condolence statements recognizing the potential Olympians who could have been onboard. The catastrophe highlights the fragility of life and the connections shared among individuals who danced on ice and aspired under the bright lights of competitions and events.
Overall, the skate community stands united, reflecting on the enduring bonds shaped through passion, perseverance, and now, shared grief. Everyone affected remembers the joy brought by their fallen compatriots, holding them close to their hearts, even as they navigate through this personal and collective tragedy.