**Tragic Collision Claims Lives of Skating Community Members**
NORWOOD, Mass. — An unfortunate incident occurred on Wednesday night when an American Airlines flight collided with an Army helicopter before crashing into the Potomac River, claiming the lives of 14 individuals connected to the figure skating community. Among the deceased were two teenage skaters, their mothers, and two renowned former world champions associated with a well-established Boston figure skating club.
Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, confirmed on Thursday that the victims included young skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, along with their mothers, as well as 1994 pairs world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov from Russia. According to Zeghibe, the group was returning from a national development camp designed for promising young skaters following the U.S. Championships in Wichita, Kansas. Condolences have also been expressed by skating clubs in Philadelphia and the D.C. area.
“We gathered here because we needed to find strength in each other,” said Tenley Albright, a 1956 Olympic champion, while at a rink named in her honor near Boston. “This community is like family, and those skaters on the plane were a part of us.” She struggled to find words to understand the tragedy, her tears revealing the deep grief resonating within the community. “Today, we embrace one another, and there are so many hugs, as we all need this connection.”
The Kremlin confirmed that both Shishkova and Naumov were on the ill-fated flight. Their son, Maxim, a 23-year-old former U.S. junior champion, had just flown back home on Monday after competing in the nationals, where his parents were present to support him. Zeghibe elaborated on the tight bond shared between Maxim and his parents, referring to the emotional dynamics that played out during their time together in the sport.
The American Airlines flight was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while three soldiers were aboard the helicopter. After the tragic collision over Washington, there are no survivors expected. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, though officials noted that flight conditions were clear at the time.
In a statement, U.S. Figure Skating expressed deep sorrow over the loss, saying, “We are heartbroken to confirm that figure skaters, along with their families, friends, and coaches, were among those on board.” The organization emphasized that figure skating transcends being just a sport; it embodies a tightly-knit family that stands united in times of loss.
The historic Skating Club of Boston has been a cornerstone of figure skating excellence, producing numerous Olympic and world champions over the years. With its rich legacy, the club has sent 18 skaters to nationals recently and is preparing to host the world championships in the spring. In a show of respect, flags were lowered to half-staff outside the club’s modernized rink, and flowers were placed at the reception area, accompanied by emotional greetings among visitors.
Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan highlighted the resilience of the skating community in the face of adversity, saying, “We’ve seen difficult moments before, and it’s about how we react now. I am here to support those I love, which is so crucial during such times.” In the club’s practice rinks, the young skaters went about their routines quietly, embodying a sense of solidarity.
As preparations continued, a table previously adorned with good luck messages for the skaters was transformed into a memorial featuring framed photographs of Lane, Han, and the coaches, along with lit candles and white roses. “My heart breaks for my fellow skaters affected in this horrifying accident,” remarked Ilia Malinin, the reigning world champion. “Our community is like family, and this loss is indescribably painful.”
Spencer Lane, just 16 years old, had garnered a significant following on social media for his engaging personality and achievements in skating. Just hours before the crash, he shared a joyful post about his experience at the national development camp. Lane’s father emphasized the love and admiration the young skater received from everyone at his Boston club.
Meanwhile, Naumov and Shishkova had made their home in the U.S. after competing for Russia, where they transitioned into coaching. Their illustrious journey included participation in two Olympic Games, and they have profoundly impacted the lives of many young athletes.
As the community mourns, reflections of past tragedies loom overhead, particularly a 1961 plane crash that killed the entire U.S. delegation en route to world championships. Albright remembers the loss deeply, having lost a coach and numerous friends from that fateful flight. “The echoes of that loss resonate very similarly to what we feel today,” said Paul George, a former U.S. pairs champion, indicating the enduring spirit of resilience within the skating community.
Despite the sorrow, plans for the world championships at the TD Garden from March 25-30 will move forward, demonstrating the unwavering commitment of the club. Zeghibe stated the event aims to be extraordinary, “We must carry on; we cannot afford to pause right now.”
As the European championships proceed in Estonia, a moment of silence will be observed in honor of the victims, epitomizing the shared grief within the global figure skating community. Jae Youl Kim, president of the International Skating Union, expressed heartfelt condolences emphasizing that the loss of so many community members simultaneously is beyond comprehension.
