A tragic plane crash involving American Airlines Flight 5342 has taken the lives of several members of the U.S. Figure Sketing team, sending shockwaves through the community. On January 29, 2025, the flight collided mid-air with a military Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C. This catastrophic incident has left no survivors, with all 64 passengers on the flight and three crew members aboard the helicopter perishing.
Reports indicate the plane was returning from the National Development Camp, which took place following the U.S. Figure Sketing Championships in Wichita, Kansas. Among the deceased were two promising young skaters, Spencer Lane and Jinna Han, their mothers – Christine Lane and Jin Han – as well as two esteemed coaches, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, all affiliated with the Skaking Club of Boston.
Doug Zeghibe, the CEO of the Skaking Club of Boston, expressed immense grief during a press conference, stating, "This will have long-reaching impacts for our community." Zeghibe described the role both young skaters had within the local skating scene. "Spencer Lane was highly talented, rocketing to the top of the sport," he noted, labeling Jinna as “a wonderful kid” and commending their mothers as role model parents. Their commitment to the sport and their communities has been invaluable.
This tragedy resonates deeply, as skaters and coaches were known for dedicative participation at the club, often spending numerous days and hours honing their skills. The Skaking Club of Boston has been pivotal for these athletes, representing not only personal ambition but also the heart of American figure skating.
Following the crash, U.S. Figure Sketing released a public statement saying, "We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts." The organization confirmed multiple members were on board, highlighting the collective loss felt within the community. Support initiatives and plans for recovery are underway as members seek to come together during this difficult period.
What made this incident particularly poignant for the sketing family is its historical echo of past tragedies – most notoriously the 1961 plane crash which claimed the lives of 18 members of the U.S. Figure Sketing team en route to the World Championships. Zeghibe recounted this history, saying, "Almost half of everyone aboard [that plane] were from [the Skaking Club].” That earlier tragedy had lasting repercussions, influencing coaching, training and safety protocols long before today’s accident.
The events following the crash have transitioned from rescue to recovery, with emergency authorities working tirelessly to locate and identify the few bodies recovered to date. The aviation collision has sparked concern and mourning, not only across the figure skating community but also more widely as local fans and supporters express their condolences.
Despite the tragedy, Doug Zeghibe stressed the resilience of the community, stating, "We’ll continue to move forward, we will grieve together at the club. We’re also hosting the World Championships at the end of March, so there is much to do." The commitment to remembrance and honoring the legacy of those lost is echoed through the resolute spirit of the Skaking Club of Boston.
While the exact cause of the collision has yet to be detailed by authorities, investigations are continuing. Meanwhile, family, friends, and the skating community remain united, vowing to support each other through this heartbreaking time, ensuring the memories of Spencer, Jinna, their mothers, and coaches are never forgotten.
This incident sheds light on the deep bonds within the world of figure skating, illustrating just how tightly-knit the community can be. Everyone involved had woven their lives together, making this tragedy not just the loss of promising athletes, but the loss of invaluable community members.
The coming weeks will undeniably be difficult as the community mourns this unspeakable loss. Yet, as Zeghibe highlights, "We don’t think we’re ever going to forget them." The memory of these six individuals will continue to inspire resilience and compassion among their peers, reinforcing the notion of family within the sport.