The U.S. figure skating community is reeling following the tragic loss of promising young athletes and coaches in the crash of American Eagle flight 5342 on January 30, 2025. Spencer Lane, 16, and Jinna Han, 13, were celebrated members of the Skaking Club of Boston, where they trained alongside coaches Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova.
Spencer Lane had amassed quite the following on social media—over 47,000 TikTok followers—where he often showcased his impressive skating skills. Just before the flight, he shared a video of his remarkable triple toe loop performed at the U.S. National Development Camp in Wichita. Lane's talent was undeniable; within just three years of beginning to skate, he had become the 2025 intermediate sectionals champion, positioning himself as one of the top prospects for Team USA’s future Olympic dreams.
The news of Lane's passing struck deep within the figure skating community. Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, reflected on their achievements, stating, "These Olympic hopefuls represented the bright future of Team USA, embodying the very essence of what it means to represent our country - perseverance, resilience, and hope. They were remarkable young people and talents, passionately pursuing their dreams, and they will forever hold a cherished place in the Team USA family."
Alongside Lane was Jinna Han, who achieved notable recognition as fourth at the novice women’s division during the Eastern sectionals. Tragically, both athletes were not only teammates but also shared the flight with their mothers.
The crash also took the lives of sisters Everly and Alydia Livingston, aged 11 and 14, who were traveling with their parents, Donna and Peter. This incident is not the first time the tight-knit skating community has been shattered by such heart-wrenching news; the entirety of the U.S. figure skating team was lost back in 1961 when they were headed to Europe for World Championships.
At the Skaking Club of Boston, where the departed athletes trained, white roses were laid down as tributes. Retired U.S. Olympian Nancy Kerrigan visited the club to lend her support, expressing her grief: "I'm not sure how to process it, which is why I'm here. We just wanted to be here and be part of our community." Her words resonate deeply within this fractured community, highlighting the passion and love shared among skaters.
Doug Zeghibe, the executive director of the Skaking Club of Boston, described Spencer Lane as "incredibly talented" and lamented his untimely death, remarking, "He had not been skating long and was rocketing to the top of the sport." These affirmations showcase not only Lane's significant skills but also the palpable admiration he earned from coaches and fellow skaters alike, marking the loss even more poignant.
The broader skating community mourned the loss, echoing sentiments of support and sorrow. Iconic figure skater Dick Button, who passed away the same day as this tragedy at the age of 95—unrelated to the crash—leaves behind a legacy revered for his influential style and commentary. U.S. Figure Skatings noted, "His legacy will live on forever," reminding everyone how intertwined past and present are within the sport.
To be intertwined with history often carries both triumph and tragedy, and this incident serves as another reminder of how fragile life can be. The figure skating community, buoyed by love and support for each other, is committed to honoring the memory of its departed members. It is the spirit of perseverance, resilience, and hope displayed by these young skaters, now forever memorialized, which will continue to inspire future generations.
Despite this unfathomable loss, the future of figure skating will find solace as it remembers the lasting impact these young athletes made during their short time. The community stands united, ready to support one another through the difficult days and to celebrate the remarkable lives of Spencer Lane, Jinna Han, and all those lost aboard flight 5342.