A devastating midair collision in Washington, DC, has left the figure skating community in mourning after several athletes, coaches, and family members lost their lives. Among the victims were two 16-year-old skaters, their mothers, and two Russian coaches, all of whom were returning from a development camp associated with the recent U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
The victims included teenage skaters Spencer Lane and Jinna Han, both members of The Skating Club of Boston. The club’s chief executive, Doug Zeghibe, described the loss as heartbreaking, emphasizing that skating is a tightly connected community.
“For all of us, we have lost family,” Zeghibe said on Thursday.
The fatal crash involved a commercial airplane and a military helicopter on Wednesday night. U.S. officials do not expect any survivors, and as of now, at least 28 bodies have been recovered. Among the 64 passengers on the American Airlines flight, at least 14 were connected to the figure skating world.
A Community in MourningU.S. Figure Skating, the sport’s governing body, confirmed that several athletes, coaches, and family members were on the flight. However, the organization has not publicly confirmed an additional list of victims. The National Transportation Safety Board is actively investigating the incident to determine the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, rescue teams continue searching the icy waters of the Potomac River, where the wreckage remains.
The University of Delaware confirmed the passing of former coach Sasha Kirsanov and stated that two young skaters from its figure skating club were also believed to be on board. Other skating organizations, including the Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society and the Skating Club of Northern Virginia, have expressed their grief but have not released the names of victims.
Among those lost from The Skating Club of Boston were Christine Lane and Jin Han, the mothers of the two young skaters, along with Russian coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.
“We are devastated and at a loss for words,” Zeghibe said, calling the crash a “horrific tragedy.” He described Spencer Lane as a rising star in figure skating, possessing extraordinary natural talent, while Jinna Han was known for her competitive spirit and kind nature.
Shishkova and Naumov, retired Russian pairs skaters, won the World Championships in 1994 and later became coaches in the U.S. They were respected for their high standards and kindness. Russia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed their presence on the flight. They leave behind their 24-year-old son, Max, who followed in their footsteps as a skater.
Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan, an alumna of The Skating Club of Boston, paid tribute to Shishkova and Naumov. “I’ve never seen anyone love skating as much as these two, and that’s why this loss is so painful,” she said.
A Tragic Reminder of the PastThe figure skating world is drawing painful comparisons to the 1961 plane crash that claimed the lives of the entire U.S. figure skating team en route to the World Championships in Prague. That tragedy had lasting effects on the sport, and Zeghibe believes this crash will have similar repercussions.
“When you lose coaches like this, you lose the future of the sport as well,” he said.
Among the younger victims was 12-year-old Olivia Ter from Maryland, who trained at Tucker Road Ice Rink and dreamed of representing the U.S. at the world championships. Prince George’s County officials mourned her loss, stating that her impact on youth sports would not be forgotten.
Additionally, 12-year-olds Cory Haynos and Brielle Beyer from Northern Virginia were confirmed to be on board with their parents. Their families are now left grappling with an unimaginable loss.
As the investigation continues, the skating community remains united in grief, remembering the lives and legacies of those lost in this tragic accident.
