NORWOOD, Mass. — A tragic incident occurred Wednesday night when an American Airlines flight collided with an Army helicopter over the Potomac River, resulting in the deaths of 14 members of the figure skating community. Among the deceased were two teenage skaters, their mothers, and two renowned former world champions who were coaching at a historic Boston figure skating club.
Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, confirmed on Thursday that the victims included 15-year-olds Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, as well as Russian pairs world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov from 1994. According to Zeghibe, all 14 individuals were returning from a national development camp aimed at nurturing aspiring skaters following the recent U.S. Championships held in Wichita, Kansas.
Standing outside a rink named in her honor, 1956 Olympic champion Tenley Albright expressed her heartbreak over the tragedy. “We came here because we needed to be together. We’re family, and the skaters on that plane were our family, too,” she said, becoming emotional. “It’s just terrible, and we just feel we need to be together. That’s why you see so many hugs today.”
The Kremlin confirmed that Shishkova and Naumov were aboard the flight. Their 23-year-old son, Maxim, who has been a strong competitor in junior championships in the U.S., had flown home earlier. Zeghibe spoke about how supportive the pair were during their son’s competitions, noting that while his mother often found it hard to watch, his father was always by his side in the “kiss-and-cry” area.
The collision, which took place in Washington, resulted in the presumed deaths of all 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the plane, as well as three soldiers flying the Blackhawk helicopter. Preliminary reports have not indicated the cause of the accident, which occurred in clear flight conditions as the jet was landing.
U.S. Figure Skating released a statement expressing its sorrow over the loss of the skaters, families, and coaches involved, asserting that the figure skating community is more than just a sport; it’s a supportive family unified in grief.
The Skating Club of Boston is known worldwide for producing numerous Olympic and world champions, including Dick Button and Albright herself. The club has consistently been a training ground for elite skaters, recently showcasing pairs Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, who won at the national championship last week.
In the wake of the tragedy, flags representing both the U.S. Figure Skating and Massachusetts were flown at half-staff outside of the club’s rink. Compassionate gestures, such as flowers delivered to the reception area, have comforted the community, with emotional embraces being common among those in attendance.
Kerrigan, a two-time Olympic medalist and an alum of the Skating Club, emphasized resilience. “We’ve been through tragedies before, and we are strong. My response is to be with people I care about,” said Kerrigan, who acknowledged the importance of community support during difficult times.
Meanwhile, young skaters at the club continued to practice their routines in silence, signaling their determination to honor those who were lost. Zeghibe remarked on the resilience of the skaters, stating they come to the club not only to skate but to find solace and share in their grief.
A makeshift memorial has been established within the club, replacing messages of good luck with framed photos of Lane, Han, and their coaches, surrounded by lit candles and white roses. World champion Ilia Malinin expressed his sorrow, calling the figure skating community a family and noting that this loss is deeply felt.
Spencer Lane, just 16, was a cherished figure in the skating community, having gained popularity on social media. Lane’s father described his son’s vibrant personality and widespread affection in the community. “He was just loved by everyone, from the adults running the club to the youngest skaters,” Lane’s father remarked.
Naumov and Shishkova, both accomplished competitors, transitioned into coaching at prominent skating locations, eventually landing at the Boston club that has been nurturing talent since 1912. Kerrigan reminisced about her Olympic experiences but lamented the missing presence of beloved figures like Naumov and Shishkova.
While Han was only 13, she was showing great promise, and Zeghibe reflected on her remarkable growth and character as a skater. This tragic event has drawn comparisons to a 1961 plane crash that claimed the lives of the entire U.S. figure skating team, a poignant reminder for the Boston club.
As the club gears up for the upcoming world championships, scheduled for March, Zeghibe emphasized the need to move forward while honoring those lost. “We need to keep moving,” he stated, as the skating world grapples with this significant loss. Meanwhile, the European Championships currently taking place are continuing as planned, including a moment of silence dedicated to the victims.
International Skating Union President Jae Youl Kim expressed heartfelt condolences to all families affected by this tragedy, emphasizing the deep sadness permeating the figure skating world.
