NORWOOD, Mass. — The Skating Club of Boston remains a place of reflection as gifts, cards, plants, and pictures occupy the seats that once held the young skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane. These tokens of remembrance are nestled on white folding chairs in the hallway outside the main rink, accompanied by charms like photographs, a South Korean flag, paper hearts, and an array of stuffed animals. Preserved behind a rope, it stands as a collective tribute from their fellow skaters.
“The kids have insisted upon that,” said Doug Zeghibe, the club’s CEO, acknowledging the poignant makeshift memorials for Han and Lane. It has been nearly two months since a tragic aerial accident involving American Airlines Flight 5342. The aircraft, which was traveling from Wichita to Washington, D.C., tragically collided with an Army helicopter above the Potomac River, resulting in the loss of all 67 lives aboard both vehicles. Among those who perished were six individuals connected to the Boston skating community: Han, Lane, their mothers, and two married ex-world champion skaters, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who were also coaching at the club. Their son, Max Naumov, had flown home earlier.
This week, as the skating community congregates in Boston for the world championships, organizers have planned a commemorative event to honor the fallen, embracing the memory of those lost in the icy Potomac waters. “The future of the sport was taken too soon,” Zeghibe reflected. “It’s really heartwarming to see that being recognized.”
Founded in 1912, coincidentally the same week as the Titanic tragedy, the Skating Club of Boston has a storied legacy of nurturing both recreational skaters and Olympic medalists such as Dick Button and Tenley Albright, alongside notable figures like Nancy Kerrigan and Paul Wylie. This legacy fills their trophy room dedicated to Button, while another room memorializes the crash’s victims, having expanded from the lobby to the members’ lounge.
Here, relics of love and loss fill the space. Drawings of every kind, from professional pastels to playful grade-school sketches, are displayed around framed photos of the skaters. An assortment of heartfelt items, such as an origami swan and knit flowers, lines the area. A certificate promises the planting of 15 trees in memoriam. Fresh flowers recently arrived from the Japanese skating federation, joining a letter from the Missoula Figure Skating Club in Montana.
The ice rink below is dotted with skaters preparing for practice, their spirits renewed despite grief. “The kids are back on the ice,” shared Zeghibe. “Many express they’re skating with renewed purpose, feeling the sport differently after this loss.” Their commitment remains unfaltered, a testament to the cohesive bond formed through shared tragedy. “It’s brought our community together,” he added, finding a glimmer of hope amidst the sorrow.
The victims were among numerous individuals from the skating sphere returning from a development camp held after the national championships in Wichita, and their tragic death has impacted multiple skating clubs, prompting a large-scale tribute event in Washington.
Esteemed figures like Kristi Yamaguchi and Brian Boitano led a televised tribute attended by over 15,000 people, including first responders. Highlighting the event, Max Naumov, an esteemed junior champion, delivered an emotionally charged performance that resonated deeply.
Another commemoration is set for Wednesday at the TD Garden during the world championships. Video memorials and a choir performance will remember the deceased, with various dignitaries, including Lane’s father, Doug, speaking on the families’ behalf. Ilia Malinin, defending his world champion title, has dedicated his performance to those lost.
“As a community, we embrace our shared joy for skating,” said Madison Chock, alongside her husband Evan Bates, vying for their third world title in ice dance. Bates added, “I’m hopeful this will be a cathartic experience.”
Zeghibe remains optimistic about healing. “This month has been better than February. It is our collective hope that April will outshine March.”