A devastating collision between a commercial airplane and a military helicopter in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night has left the figure skating community reeling. The tragic accident, described by many as a "horrific tragedy," resulted in the loss of numerous lives, casting a shadow over the sport. U.S. officials have expressed little hope for survivors among the 64 passengers on the American Airlines flight and the three aboard the helicopter.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the crash, examining multiple factors to determine its cause. Thus far, rescuers have recovered 28 bodies from the crash site. Among those on the flight were skaters, coaches, and family members returning from a development camp for young skaters in Wichita, Kansas, held in conjunction with the recent U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Spencer Lane and Jinna Han, both 16-year-old skaters, were among the victims. Their mothers, Christine Lane and Jin Han, also perished in the crash. The loss extends to notable figures in the skating world, including Russian coaches Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. Shishkova and Naumov, retired pairs skaters, won the world championships in 1994. Former University of Delaware coach Sasha Kirsanov and Inna Volyanskaya, a former Soviet Union skater, were also aboard.
The US Figure Skating governing body confirmed that several athletes, coaches, and family members connected to the sport were on the ill-fated flight. This incident bears a chilling resemblance to the 1961 plane crash that killed the 18-person U.S. figure skating team en route to the world championships in Prague.
"Skating is a very close and tight-knit community…I think for all of us, we have lost family," said Doug Zeghibe, reflecting on the collective grief felt across the skating community.
Elin Scharn, who knew some of the young skaters, expressed admiration for their talent.
"I've never seen somebody coming to it so fast, so naturally," Scharn stated.
Nancy Kerrigan, an iconic figure in figure skating, shared her sorrow over the loss of young talents like Spencer and Jinna.
"I've never seen anyone love skating as much as these two, and that's why I think it hurts so much," Kerrigan said. She added, "Much like everyone here has been saying, I'm not sure how to process it."
The tragic event has left at least 14 passengers believed to have been involved in the sport. As investigations continue, the skating community grapples with this profound loss.
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