Tragedy struck the figure skating community on Wednesday evening when American Airlines flight 5342 collided with an Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in the deaths of six individuals affiliated with the Skaking Club of Boston. Among the victims were two promising teenage skaters, their mothers, and two decorated coaches, marking yet another devastating chapter for the esteemed club.
The crash, which occurred around 9 PM, claimed the lives of 16-year-old Spencer Lane, 15-year-old Jinna Han, and their mothers Christine Lane and Jin Han, as well as coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. These members were returning from the National Development Camp, held right after the U.S. Figure Skatign Championships, where they had participated and excelled. All six were beloved within their tight-knit skating community, as noted by the club's CEO, Doug Zeghibe.
“Skateing is more than a sport - it's a close-knit family,” Zeghibe said, highlighting the emotional bond shared among the members of the club based out of Norwood, Massachusetts. Spanning several generations, the Skaking Club of Boston has produced numerous champions, and this recent tragedy adds to its painful history.
The incident unfolded as the jet, carrying 60 passengers along with four crew members, was on approach to land at Reagan Airport when it collided mid-air with the helicopter, causing both aircraft to plummet to the frigid waters of the Potomac River. Zoebibe expressed his devastation, stating, “I think we’re all family, we have lost family.” The crash occurred under clear flight conditions, yet the lights of the helicopter were unfortunately obscured during the landing approach, leading to the fatal collision.
The loss of Naumov and Shishkova is particularly heartbreaking for the skating community, as they were not only decorated skaters but also exceptional coaches who nurtured the talents of many. Zeghibe remembered them fondly, emphasizing their impact on both their students and the club itself. “They were very much part of our building the competitive skating program here at The Skaking Club of Boston,” he said. Their legacy lives on through their students, including their son Maxim, who was not on the plane but competed at the championships earlier this week.
The Skaking Club of Boston, recognized as one of the foundation stones of figure skating, has faced this grim situation before. Zeghibe reflected on the devastating memory of the 1961 plane crash, when the entire U.S. figure skating team was lost en route to the World Championships. “It had long-reaching implications for the skating club and for the sport in this country,” he stated, indicating how the loss shaped the club’s future and function. Many within the current community were reminded of this history, sharing grief and support as they processed the tragic news.
The current grief-stricken members of the skating club have come together not just to mourn those lost but also to create solidarity among themselves. Flowers and tributes began appearing near the club’s location as many expressed their sorrow online, sharing memories of Spencer’s energetic spirit and Jinna’s kind-hearted nature. Both were not only skilled skaters but young athletes destined for great futures. Spencer Lane had recently garnered attention with his performances, actively sharing his skating experiences on social media, garnering thousands of followers.
With 14 members of the skating community identified among the victims, this tragedy resonates deeply across the sport as U.S. Figure Skatign issued statements of condolence and support. A heartfelt message read, “We are heartbroken to learn of the figure skaters, along with their families, friends, and coaches, who are understood to be among those on board.”
Looking forward, Zeghibe confirmed the club would continue to carry its mission, emphasizing the need for resilience. “Skaters want to skate...it’s also about coming together to grieve,” he expressed. The Skaking Club of Boston is preparing to host the World Figure Skatign Championships at the end of March, events which will provide some measure of distraction and focus for the community.
The global skating community stands ready to support the Skaking Club of Boston through its grief, united by the loss of their members who embodied the spirit and drive of figure skating. Such tragedies remind us all of the preciousness of life, community values, and the importance of supporting each other through the toughest of times.