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The U.S. Figure Skating has reportedly confirmed that several of its contestants and coaches were on the American Airlines flight that met with the fateful incident on January 29, 2025. The aircraft was involved in a collision with a Black Hawk helicopter as it was trying to land on the Reagan National Airport.
According to reports, the U.S. Figure Skating mentioned that besides coaches and players, family members were also on the American Airlines flight. They were returning home from the Skating Championship in Wichita, Kansas, which came to a close on January 26, 2025.
However, many of the participants stayed back for a training camp. According to BBC, the agency released a statement saying:
“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims' families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.”
The Skating Union, in a statement, emphasized that figure skating is more than just a sport, it is a close community. The organization is staying in contact with the U.S. Figure Skating and offering full support during this difficult time.
Social media reports suggest that a Russian Figure skater and his wife, Vadim Naumov, and Evgenia Shishkova, were also reported to be onboard the American Airlines flight.
Reportedly, Soviet figure skater, Inna Volyanskaya, was among the passengers on the American Airlines flight. Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed that former Russian figure skaters were on board but did not mention specific names. BBC mentioned that on January 30, 2025, a minute’s silence was observed at the ISU Figure Skating Championships.
Several skaters shared condolences following the American Airlines flight accident
According to a report by CBS News, 18 bodies could be recovered from the water. American Airlines has also opened a hotline number using which friends and family members of the passengers on the flight could contact the authorities.
American Figure Skater, Luke Wang, shared an X post on January 30, 2025, sharing his condolences for the ones who lost their lives in the mishap. He wrote that despite the thoughts and prayers, everyone must wait for an official release. Wang posted:
“Praying for all those on the flight from wichita to dc. among the passengers were skaters and coaches. absolutely heartbreaking.”
Ice dancer and skater, Ethan Peal, shared an X post saying he was shocked to learn about the incident. He wrote:
“I am in shock. Praying for families and my skating community.”
The Black Hawk helicopter was reportedly conducting a training flight. Radio exchanges indicated the Black Hawk crew was aware of the plane nearby. Speaking to Fox News, former Army Battalion Commander and BlackHawk pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Darin Gaub said:
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“Well, first of all, being in a helicopter like that, you are nearly always operating close to the ground especially around DC within 200 feet or so of the ground.”
Besides four crew members, 60 passengers were on the American Airlines flight. Video from the Kennedy Center captured two sets of lights merging into a fireball, suggesting the moment of impact.
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