US Figure Skating Championship contestants and coaches on plane that crashed in DC – Washington Examiner
A tragic plane crash occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport,resulting in the loss of several lives,including contestants and coaches from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The incident took place on a Wednesday evening when American Airlines Flight 5342, carrying skaters and their families back to washington, D.C. from Wichita,collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter before both aircraft fell into the Potomac River.
The National Development Camp for figure skaters was being held after the championships, and many remained in the area until January 29.Among the victims were notable figures in the skating community, including russian champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova.U.S. figure skaters Luke Wang and Ethan Peal expressed their shock and condolences through social media, with some suggesting that around 14 skaters might have been on board the flight. American Airlines reported that 64 people were present on the flight, including four crew members, while the helicopter reportedly had three Army soldiers on a training exercise.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged the ongoing rescue efforts but did not provide details about casualties. She later indicated that a press conference would be held to update the public on the situation.The entire figure skating community is in mourning as they grapple with the impact of this tragedy.
US Figure Skating Championship contestants and coaches on plane that crashed in DC
Victims of the plane crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on Wednesday night were contestants in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, held from January 20 to January 26 in Wichita, Kansas.
The figure skating organization’s National Development Camp was held after the competition, and many stayed to participate, remaining in the city until January 29. Some skaters, their families, and coaches were on American Airlines Flight 5342. The commercial flight departed Wichita Wednesday evening and headed for Washington, D.C. The plane collided with a military Black Hawk Sikorsky H-60 helicopter shortly before 9 p.m. Both the plane and helicopter fell into the Potomac River after the crash.
U.S. figure skater Luke Wang posted about the tragic news on X late Wednesday night.
”Praying for all those on the flight from wichita to dc,” Wang posted. “Among the passengers were skaters and coaches. absolutely heartbreaking.”
Another U.S. figure skater, Ethan Peal, posted about the crash on his X account.
“I am in shock,” he said. “Praying for families and my skating community.”
“Dear God I can’t take this,” Peal added in a separate post early Wednesday morning. “Hug your loved ones. I’m sorry.”
Wang, Peal, and others involved with U.S. Figure Skating were notified about the plane crash through a text message, The Wichita Eagle reported.
Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, Russian figure skaters who won the 1994 World Figure Skating Championship pairs competition, were among the victims, according to reports.
U.S. figure skater John Maravilla told a Russian news agency that he believed approximately 14 figure skaters were on the plane, not including their parents and some coaches.
American Airlines previously announced that 64 people were on the flight, including four crew members. The Army said three soldiers were on the helicopter, which was reportedly on a training flight.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser could not provide comment after the crash.
“I can’t say anything about the rescue operation right now,” she said.
Bowser later posted an update on X, stating that the next press conference about the accident will be held at 7:30 a.m.
“Tonight, as our first responders continue their efforts, we are sending our love and prayers to the families, loved ones, and communities who are experiencing loss during this terrible tragedy,” she posted. “We will provide our next briefing at 7:30AM at DCA. It will be live on this account.”
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