Nancy Kerrigan, the beloved American figure skating champion, stood before reporters on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the Skatin Club of Boston, her voice breaking with emotion as she spoke of the devastating plane crash near Washington, D.C., which claimed the lives of several members of the figure skating community. The crash, which occurred on the evening of January 29, involved an American Airlines flight colliding with a military Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in all 67 aboard both aircraft being feared dead.
Among those presumed dead were six individuals linked to the Skatin Club of Boston. Kerrigan, who is famously known for her impressive performances as well as her rivalry with Tonya Harding during the 1990s, had to confront the deeply personal loss within her tight-knit community. "We’ve been through tragedies before as Americans, as people, and we’re strong. I guess it’s how we respond to it and my response is to be with people I care about," she said, summarizing the collective grief shared among fellow skaters.
The American Airlines flight, which was carrying members home from the National Development Camp following the U.S. Figure Skaking Championships held in Wichita, Kansas, met with disaster shortly before 9 p.m. ET. Eyewitness reports indicate the aircraft and the helicopter may have been unaware of each other's paths, leading to the tragic midair collision. Doug Zeghibe, head of the Skatin Club of Boston, chillingly detailed the loss, stating, "Our sport and this Club have suffered a horrible loss with this tragedy." He confirmed there were two skaters, two coaches, and two parents who were on the flight.
The six members identified as passengers included spencer Lane, Jinna Han, and their mothers, Christine Lane and Jin Han, along with well-respected coaches Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova. Their absence leaves not only a void at the club but also highlights the fragility and interconnectedness of the ice skating community.
Emotions ran high during the press conference, where Kerrigan fought back tears as she slowly processed the shocking news. "It’s just such a tragic event," she shared, with her own experience as part of the community deepening her sense of loss. She conveyed her feelings of disbelief, noting, "To find out you know some of the people on the plane is even a bigger blow." Within the figure skating world, many athletes, coaches, and families come together frequently, practically living as one large family.
The sense of camaraderie within the community was echoed by former rivals, including Tonya Harding, who posted her condolences via social media shortly after the tragedy. "The events...are absolutely devastating," she wrote. The outpouring of grief has been significant, with messages from former Olympians and other prominent figure skaters filling social media platforms, offering thoughts and prayers to all affected families.
Kerrigan remarked on the shared hardship of the skating community, observing, "Our community is pretty small, so it's not just here that's hurting. It's every rink across the country, and there are deep feelings of tragedy everywhere. Everyone is like family." Her words encapsulated the shared bond and unique experiences of skaters, coaches, and fans alike who have been touched by the sport.
Spencer Lane shared a poignant moment from inside the doomed flight shortly before catastrophe struck. He posted a photo of his surroundings, capturing the lively atmosphere, unaware of the deep tragedy about to envelop the skating community. The young skater’s enthusiasm now stands juxtaposed to the grim news following the flight’s descent.
Kerrigan, who has had her share of challenges—specifically during the infamous attack prior to the 1994 Olympics—aptly highlighted the resilience instilled within figure skaters. "We’ve been through the same thing—the rigorous training, falling over and over, and picking yourself back up. Even when it’s hard, you get back up and move forward together,” she urged, providing insight not only on how skating impacts lives but also on how the bonds formed within the figure skating family can provide strength through adversity.
The aftermath of the accident discovered varying allegiances among friends, all mourning collectively for those lost. Figure skating's governing body, U.S. Figure Skaking, released their heartfelt response, expressing, "We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts." This unity speaks volumes about the foundational values within this sport, reinforcing community ties amid unspeakable loss.
While the collective heartbreak of the figure skating community grips the nation, Kerrigan's call to resilience rings true for all—reminding individuals to stand tall and support one another through unthinkable hardships. Though time will ease some of the pain, the memory of those who were lost will always remain etched within the heart of figure skating.