A catastrophic collision occurred Wednesday evening near Washington D.C.’s Reagan National Airport when an American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided mid-air. At least 40 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage, with 64 people on the plane and three soldiers in the helicopter. Tragically, none survived.
Young skaters and coaches among the victims
The victims included several young figure skaters, such as Spencer Lane, 16, Brielle Beyer, 12, and Jinna Han, 13, who were returning from a figure skating event in Wichita, Kansas. Tragically, their mothers were also onboard. Evgenia Shishkova, 53, and Vadim Naumov, 56, were among those killed as well.
The figure skating community has been rocked by the loss of renowned Russian skating couple coaches, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, former world champions. They were beloved figures in the skating world, having coached for many years in the U.S.
The group was returning from the National Development Camp hosted by U.S. Figure Skating. The Skating Club of Boston confirmed that 14 of its skaters, along with their coaches and parents, were aboard the flight.
Heartbreaking loss of the Lane family
One of the most tragic losses was that of Spencer Lane, a promising young figure skater, and his mother Christine. Both were on the flight. Jinna Han and her mother, Jin Han, were also among those lost. The Boston Skating Club remembered Jinna as a “wonderful kid” and a “great competitor.”
Other notable victims
Kiah Duggins, a former Miss Kansas contestant and attorney, was confirmed as one of the victims in Wednesday’s tragic crash into the Potomac River after a collision with a Black Hawk helicopter.
Duggins was traveling from Wichita to Washington, D.C., where she was set to join Howard University as a law professor. Her former pageant director, Larry Strong, shared the sad news on Facebook, urging support for her family during this difficult time.
Duggins was a top 10 finalist in the Miss Kansas Pageant in 2014 and 2015. She worked as a civil rights attorney with the Civil Rights Corps, focusing on cases challenging unconstitutional policing and bail practices. A Harvard Law School graduate, Duggins also served as president of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau.
- Ryan O’Hara: A helicopter crew chief from Atlanta, remembered fondly by his Marine Corps JROTC students.
- Andrew Eaves: A U.S. Army pilot from Mississippi, recognized for his discipline and training.
- Wendy Jo Shaffer: A loving mother and wife from Charlotte, remembered by friends and family.
- Vikesh Patel: A GE Aerospace employee, cherished by his colleagues.
- Grace Maxwell: A student at Cedarville University, remembered by her school community.
A global loss
In addition to the American victims, the crash claimed the lives of two Chinese citizens, several Russian nationals, and two members of the Philippine National Police. Colonel Pergentino Malabed Jr., 51, was one of the police officers on board, serving with honor throughout his career.
Impact on the plumbing and service technician community
Several workers from the plumbing and service technician industries were on the flight. The United Association confirmed that five of their members were among the victims, including members from Maryland’s Steamfitters United Association.
Ongoing investigations and recovery efforts
As investigations continue, authorities are focused on recovering the remaining bodies and providing closure to the victims’ families. The cause of the crash remains unclear, but the tragedy has left families, friends, and the skating community in mourning.
