TALLINN, Estonia — In an emotional announcement during the European championships in Tallinn, the president of the International Skating Union, Jae Youl Kim, revealed that the figure skating community will pay tribute to those who lost their lives in a tragic mid-air collision near Washington, D.C. earlier this week. The memorial will take place during the world championships set to be held in Boston this coming March.
The heartbreaking incident involved a passenger aircraft colliding with a helicopter, claiming the lives of several individuals, including figure skaters, coaches, and family members who were returning from a national skating camp in Wichita, Kansas. Among the fatalities were two teenage skaters, their mothers, and two coaches affiliated with the Skating Club of Boston.
Kim expressed his sorrow on Friday, fighting back tears as he conveyed the devastating effects of the crash on the skating community. “Right now, our priority is to grieve those we lost and to offer support to those who are mourning,” he remarked, highlighting the need to move forward gradually in the wake of this tragedy.
In collaboration with Boston representatives, Kim indicated that discussions would be held about appropriate tributes to honor the crash victims. He emphasized the commitment to deliver an extraordinary event as a fitting remembrance of those who tragically passed away.
Additionally, numerous participants at the European championships, including European champion Adam Siao Him Fa from France, dedicated segments of their performances to the victims, illustrating the profound solidarity within the figure skating community. “We are all experiencing deep sorrow, yet this tragedy has brought us closer together,” Kim noted.
The figure skating world is also grieving the loss of Dick Button, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and prominent broadcaster, who passed away at the age of 95 on Thursday. Kim honored Button’s legacy, stating, “He made a remarkable mark not just in our sport but across all athletic pursuits. His contributions went far beyond his prowess as a skater; he was a true innovator and pioneer.”
