WICHITA, Kansas — A tragic accident occurred late Wednesday night involving an American Airlines flight that collided with an Army helicopter, taking the lives of numerous individuals aboard. Among the 60 passengers and four crew members on the commercial airplane were teen figure skaters journeying home after a national competition, a college student returning from her grandfather’s funeral, two Chinese nationals, and a group of hunters concluding a guided trip in Kansas. Unfortunately, no one survived the incident.
In response to the tragedy, community members gathered to mourn. A vigil was held in city council chambers, where Rev. Pamela Hughes Mason of St. Paul AME Church in Wichita highlighted the importance of unity during this difficult time. “The only way we will get through this is together,” she said. American Airlines has established a hotline, 1-800-679-8215, along with information centers in Washington and Wichita for those seeking news about their loved ones involved in the crash.
Details have emerged about some of the victims. Among those remembered were Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, two talented skaters from the Skating Club of Boston. Tragically, their mothers, Jin Han and Christine Lane, along with their coaches, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, also lost their lives in the crash. These young athletes were on their way back from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Skating Club, remembered Jinna as a remarkable performer and cited Spencer’s burgeoning talent, noting he found joy in connecting with audiences during his recent performances.
The Lane family paid tribute to Christine Lane’s creativity and commitment, stating that she channeled her artistic skills into various pursuits while dedicating herself deeply to her role as a mother. Both Shishkova and Naumov had remarkable careers, having won the pairs title at the 1994 world championships, representing the sport at a high level in various competitions, including the Olympics. Skating organizations across the country have reported that several young athletes who attended a recent development camp after the championships were also on the fateful flight.
In addition to the figure skaters, Grace Maxwell, a junior mechanical engineering student from Cedarville University in Ohio, was identified as one of the casualties. She was returning to campus after attending her grandfather’s funeral. Grace was known for her interest in using engineering to help others, particularly working on projects that aimed to assist those in need. Furthermore, reports indicated that multiple students from schools in Fairfax County, Virginia, along with their parents, were aboard the flight, though specific identities have not been disclosed.
Among the passengers were also two Chinese nationals as confirmed by their embassy, although further details about them have not been released at this time. Additionally, seven hunters returning from a guided trip in Kansas lost their lives; those affected by this incident came to view the victims as members of their extended family. The guiding service expressed their heartbreak over the news, sharing memories of laughter and camaraderie with the victims during the hunting trip.
The tragedy also impacted the local labor community, with four steamfitters from a United Association union local in suburban Maryland confirmed as victims. Union leaders expressed their commitment to support the families of the deceased during this devastating period.
Among those involved in the crash were three soldiers riding in the helicopter. Their remains are being processed by Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base, which is responsible for the dignified handling of fallen service members. The family of one of the helicopter pilots, Andrew Eaves, confirmed his death via social media, requesting prayers and peace as they navigate their loss.
The soldiers were engaged in an annual night proficiency training flight, and officials noted they were an experienced crew. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the importance of notifying family members in light of this loss. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash continues as the community reflects on the lives lost and begins the grieving process.
