On January 30, 2025, the figure skating community is reeling from the shocking news of the midair collision of American Airlines Flight 5342 and a military helicopter, claiming the lives of 64 individuals. Tragically, six of those lost were affiliated with the renowned SkATING Club of Boston, including two coaches, two young skaters, and their mothers, making the incident particularly devastating for this tight-knit community.
The SkATING Club of Boston, founded over 100 years ago, has long been recognized as one of the top figure skating programs not only in the U.S. but across the globe. This latest tragedy has stirred painful memories of another disaster. Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the SkATING Club, reflected on the disheartening parallels, stating, "I personally feel this club, the SkATING Club of Boston, has just now, almost 60 years later, been coming out of the shadow of the 1961 crash. So this is particularly devastating."
This earlier event, the fatal crash of Sabena Flight 548, occurred on February 15, 1961, killing all on board, including 18 members of the U.S. figure skating team heading to the World Championships. That crash became known as one of the darkest days for figure skating, leaving indelible scars on its community, and once again, the ghosts of the past have resurfaced.
Among those lost was 16-year-old Spencer Lane and his mother Christine Lane, alongside 13-year-old Jinna Han and her mother Jin Han, and two beloved coaches, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. Spencer was gaining popularity on social media, where he frequently shared his skating videos with thousands of followers, and had recently posted his excitement about attending the National Development Camp.
Nancy Kerrigan, the two-time Olympic medalist and Boston SkATING Club alum, was visibly shaken as she stood before the grieving attendees at the club. "It’s just such a tragic event. We’ve been through tragedies before as Americans, as people, and we are strong. My heart goes out to the skaters, their families, and everyone affected. This is a devastating loss for our entire community. We just wanted to be here and support each other at this time.”
The sudden loss of these individuals has left the rink silent, where once laughter and training filled the air. Paul George, president emeritus of the U.S. Figure SkATING Foundation, captured the pain and the pressing memories, stating, "I lost my coach, all my friends." He described how they will mourn but also celebrate the lives of those lost, reassuring the members, "We will honor the athletes, honor the families. But we also will encourage people to come back and get back on the ice, and get about their lives. Be more focused, if ever. We will survive."
Reflecting on the tragedy, Zeghibe highlighted the significance of community during such dark times, saying, "SkATING is a very close and tight-knit community. These kids and their parents, they’re here at our facility, six, sometimes seven days a week. I think for all of us, we have lost family.” The outpouring of support from community members and former skaters demonstrates the strength and resilience of the SkATING Club of Boston's ethos.
The impact of the collision has not only shaken the local skating community but has also reverberated throughout the sport. It reminds many of the tenacity required to recover from such tragic loss, resembling past experiences from the 1961 crash. Tenley Albright, another notable alum and two-time world champion, remarked how the club always stood strong through tragedies: "Going through something tragic myself, the community stood behind me," she shared. "It’s my turn now to hopefully be here to support my friends.”
Jinna Han, one of the talented skaters lost, was fondly referred to by her coach Olga Ganicheva as "a very talented, beautiful skater" with the nickname "Jinna Starina" reflecting her star-quality on the ice. Ganicheva expressed her deep sadness about losing such potential, stating, "She skated like a star and was such a performer."
The SkATING Club of Boston is set to host the World Championships later this March, but with this weight of grief on their shoulders, many wonder how the club will navigate forward. Doug Zeghibe emphasized the importance of grieving together and finding strength through unity, stating, "Folks are just stunned by this. But we’ll come to the club as an opportunity to grieve together.”
“I don’t think we’re ever going to forget them,” he added, hinting at the resilience necessary not only for the skating club but for the entire community surrounding it.
With flags lowered to half-staff and the somber atmosphere hanging over the rink, it is clear the loss felt is not just personal but deeply shared. The skating club, akin to the spirit of its athletes, will rise again, buoyed by memories of those they lost and the hopes of all who love the sport.
This tragic event brings to light the enduring strength of community bonds, providing the solace needed as the SkATING Club of Boston navigates through yet another heartbreaking chapter of their storied legacy.