WEST HARTFORD — The Connecticut figure skating community came together Monday afternoon to honor the lives of skaters and coaches who tragically passed away last week when American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with an Army helicopter. The plane was returning from the U.S. Figure Skaking Championships held in Wichita, Kansas, when the catastrophic event occurred.
During their time of reflection at the Veterans Memorial Skaking Rink, skaters, coaches, and community members took to the ice, pausing their routine practices to honor the deceased, including renowned world champion ice skating duo Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who had ties to Simsbury, Connecticut and coached at the International Skaking Center of Connecticut.
Nancy Brittingham, president of the Blue Edge Figure Skaking Club, spoke passionately about the tight-knit nature of the skating community. "The figure skating community is made up of rinks and figure skating clubs," she noted. "It’s beautiful because we’re all part of the same family, and collectively we celebrate each other’s journeys. We all know the athletes competing at nationals and worlds.”
This community bond became even clearer following the shocking incident. Many attendees of the vigil were connected to individuals who were on the ill-fated flight and felt the deep sense of loss. Brittingham emphasized the importance of the vigil, stating it was organized to support families left grieving by the tragedy. "We’re all linked. Our connections run deep, and it isn’t just about the athletes but their coaches and families as well," she added.
On February 2, U.S. Figure Skaking interim CEO Samuel Auxier issued heartfelt condolences to the 28 victims linked to the figure skating world. “They were incredible athletes, caring and supportive family members, and coaches who worked tirelessly for their athletes. They were beloved members of our global skating community, and we mourn their loss together,” Auxier expressed.
The U.S. Figure Skaking federation has initiated plans for various tributes to honor the victims, whose lives were cut tragically short. The federation confirmed the loss of promising young skaters along with their coaches and parents.
Among the victims were young talents Angela Yang, Sean Kay, and Jinna Han, all figure skaters aged just 11 to 16 years old, who were returning to their homes from the competition. Their absence is felt deeply across skating rinks throughout the country, reverberations of grief echoing through families whose lives have been forever altered.
Michelle Thomson, competition director for Salt Lake Figure Skaking, shared her despair, stating, “U.S. Skaking is more than just sport; it’s truly like family. Some of those most affected may have shared dinners and dreams the night before leaving.”
Further compounding the tragedy, the collision left several families mourning; the Schrock family was en route to visit their daughter, and Wendy Jo Shaffer, noted for her kindness, was also among the passengers.
The flight with 67 souls aboard collided with the Black Hawk helicopter as the aircraft approached Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport late Wednesday evening. Authorities reported at least 55 bodies have so far been pulled from the Potomac River, starting the laborious task of identifying those lost.
D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly has confirmed the recovery efforts are continuing, relaying confidence the remaining victims will be found. “It’s my belief we're going to recover everyone,” Donnelly stated.
Those with ties to the skating community have expressed their sorrow, such as Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Skaking Club of Boston, who confirmed six victims were affiliated with their organization. The victims included promising youth like Spencer Lane, 16, who had excelled rapidly within the sport, alongside his mother and two former champions turned coaches.
The local clubs are implementing moments of silence and memorials to honor those who perished on the flight. With each tribute and gathering, they reflect the shared commitment to keeping the memory of the athletes alive.
Among the confirmed victims were also fellow coaches, athletes, and members of families who shared the same dream of success within the competitive figure skating sphere. One mother of two, who exhibited unconditional love at the rink, leaves behind young boys and close family, marking the loss deeply felt within these intimate communities.
Coaches who survived the tragedy vow to continue supporting young athletes as they navigate this painful chapter. “One of the life lessons we’re taught is to get back up after a fall, and this community will continue to rise, lending support to our skaters,” stated Michelle Thomson, depicting resilience amid loss.
Overall, this tragic event not only highlights the fragility of life but also the indelible connections forged through shared passions, commitments, and the heartbreaking loss shared among many.