A mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport on January 29, 2025, has claimed the lives of 67 people, including 14 young figure skaters returning from a national development camp. The tragedy, which occurred shortly before the American Airlines flight was to land, has sent shockwaves through both the aviation and figure skating communities alike.
Just after 9 p.m., the two aircraft collided, resulting in both crashing down to the Potomac River. With no survivors from either aircraft reported, the focus has shifted from search and rescue efforts to recovery operations. Wichita Mayor Lily Wu confirmed at a press conference, "We have been told there are no survivors. This is such a terrible tragedy. We mourn with all those who have been impacted." Among the victims were three soldiers aboard the Black Hawk and the airline’s flight crew, including First Officer Sam Lilley and Captain Jonathan Campos.
The deeply felt impact of this tragedy is evident within the figure skating community, particularly among the families and coaches of the young athletes who had their futures so cruelly taken. Fourteen figure skaters were killed, many of whom were recognized for their extraordinary promise and talent. Two of these were Spencer Lane, aged 16, from Rhode Island, and Jinna Han, 12, from Massachusetts—both members of The Skaking Club of Boston. They, along with their mothers and coaches, had traveled to Wichita for the camp, which was meant to propel them toward their Olympic dreams.
Doug Zeghibe, CEO of The Skaking Club of Boston, expressed the heartache felt in the community: "If I had to describe the general feeling around here, it is grief. We all just saw these folks on Sunday. We’re never going to see them again." Spencer was remembered as "incredibly talented" and had recently joined the sport, moving swiftly through the ranks. Spencer’s grandfather, Wayne Conrad, reflected on the family's loss, stating, "They were greatly appreciated when we had them with us and were lovely people."
Meanwhile, fellow skaters Everly and Alydia Livingston, aged 14 and 11, from Virginia, along with their parents, were also aboard the fateful flight. Known as the “Ice Skaters Sisters,” the group was training hard to achieve spots on Team USA. Moments before departure, their mother, Donna, took and sent photos of the joyful family, unaware of the impending tragedy. Their coach, 59-year-old former pairs skater, and also among the deceased, was noted for being supportive of Everly and Alydia’s skating aspirations.
Community leaders like Ashburn Ice House General Manager Rob Lorenzen spoke to the pain of the loss: "This is such a terrible tragedy," he said, lamenting the tight-knit environment where families spent countless hours together at the rink, fostering relationships and encouraging aspirations among the young athletes.
The aftermath of the collision has revealed the number of lives intertwined within this tragedy, with many families having been directly involved with the sport for years, attending competitions and fundraisers together. Tribute vigils have sprung up, allowing community members to process their grief. The Wichita City Council even hosted one at City Hall to honor those lost.
Investigations are currently underway to discern the factors contributing to the collision. Although authorities have not yet confirmed the cause, it has been noted the American Airlines flight was on approach to land when the collision occurred within the regulated airspace. The aviation community, like figure skating, is demanding answers to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
The psychological impact of this loss is far-reaching, and experts urge for comprehensive support mechanisms for the grieving families, friends, and teammates. The community is grappling with the loss of promising athletes and beloved coaches who not only represented the future of the sport but also built deep relationships across generations.
Through the heartfelt tributes and shared stories of the young skaters, coaches, and parents lost, the figure skating community remains committed to preserving their legacy—as they navigate this substantial loss together. United, they are working to heal from the wounds of this tragedy, with plans to establish memorials and support systems for those affected.