Tragic American Airlines Crash: U.S. Figure Skating Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Victims

U.S. Figure Skating is mourning an unimaginable loss.

28 individuals consisting of figure skaters, coaches, and their families tragically passed away after American Airlines flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River on January 29th. In response, the national governing body of the sport honored those who perished.

On February 3rd, US Figure Skating posted a video on Instagram showing some of the athletes aged between 11 and 16, along with their families, after the National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas. Quick snippets of the skaters were shown as their names appeared, such as 11-year-old Angela Yang and Sean Kay, who were seen performing on the ice and giving each other high fives afterwards. Their mothers, Zheheng Li and Yulia Kay, were also present in the video.

In a different video segment, 15-year-old skater Cory Haynos executed a camel spin on the ice and then formed a heart gesture towards the camera. Unfortunately, his parents, Stephanie and Roger Haynos, were among those who perished. Additionally, skating coaches Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shiskova, who got married in 1995, as well as coaches Inna Volyanskaya and Alexandr Kirsanov, were also featured.

Remembering those who were sadly taken away,” the text said, accompanied by a black heart symbol. “May their memories continue to endure eternally.

Mourning families are still grappling with the tragic aftermath of a collision that claimed the lives of 63 souls (including passengers and crew of the jet, as well as those aboard the Black Hawk helicopter). In this time of reflection, they pondered over their loved ones’ lives.

Andrew Beyer opened up about the difficult journey of his 12-year-old daughter, Brielle, who was diagnosed with cancer at just 4 months old, as he and his wife, Justyna, were aboard a flight together.

In my perspective as a lifestyle enthusiast, I’d express it like this: “I shared with ABC News that she was an unwavering spirit, pouring her energy into every endeavor. She truly embraced living vibrantly and fully.

He went on to say, ‘She felt incredibly proud of her accomplishments in figure skating. Joining that team had been a lifelong ambition of hers, and she not only met but exceeded this goal. Her pride in herself was immense.’

16-year-old Spencer Lane’s family, who sadly lost his mother Christine Lane under the same tragic circumstances, portrayed him as an unstoppable and powerful force.

Doug Lane, Spencer’s father, stated, “He had the ability to carry out whatever he set his mind to. His inspiring skating journey serves as proof. Sadly, it seems this chapter has come to an end prematurely. Skating held a special place in his heart, and his progression from beginner classes to the U.S. Figure Skating’s National Development Team within a few short years was nothing short of extraordinary.

Among the victims of the figure skating incident were Jinna Han, age 13; Jin Han; Everly Livingston, 14; Alydia Livingston, 11; Pete Livingston; Donna Livingston; Franco Aparicio; Luciano Aparicio; Olivia Eve Ter, 12; Oleysa Taylor, 14; Edward Zhou, 16; Joe Zhou; and Kaiyan Zhou.

In the unfortunate incident involving figure skating, we lost Jinna Han (aged 13), Jin Han, Everly Livingston (age 14), Alydia Livingston (age 11), Pete Livingston, Donna Livingston, Franco Aparicio, Luciano Aparicio, Olivia Eve Ter (age 12), Oleysa Taylor (age 14), Edward Zhou (aged 16), Joe Zhou, and Kaiyan Zhou.

Keep reading to learn more about the tragic collision.

On January 29th evening, American Airlines flight 5342 departing from Wichita, Kansas, en route to Washington, D.C., encountered a mishap when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near the Reagan National Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration later confirmed this incident on their social media platform, previously known as Twitter. This double tragedy resulted in both the passenger plane carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members, along with the helicopter that held 3 individuals, crashing into the Potomac River.

A Canadian-manufactured Bombardier CRJ-700 model twin-jet aircraft was flown by American Airlines’ affiliate airline, PSA Airlines.

Initially intended as a rescue effort, the situation later evolved into a recovery operation, tragically confirming the deaths of all 67 passengers on board both aircraft.

In these trying times, my heartfelt sympathies go out to the families who are grappling with such an unimaginable tragedy. I stand with you, offering my most sincere condolences as we walk this challenging path together. Rest assured, our steadfast commitment remains in providing support during this grievous period.

In the ongoing investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board is gathering all relevant information and has shared that preliminary data from air traffic control indicates the helicopter may have exceeded the authorized 200-foot altitude limit for its flight path.

The data indicates that the Black Hawk helicopter was approximately 300 feet high, as shown on the air traffic control screen, at the moment of the crash. However, it’s important to note that this data has been rounded up to the closest 100 feet according to the NTSB’s update on February 4th.

As an overly enthusiastic admirer of the frozen dance floor, I can’t help but share this intriguing piece of information: Among the 60 individuals onboard, there were no less than 28 American figure skaters, their mentors, and their beloved kin – all gathered at a training camp in the heartland city of Wichita, Kansas. According to U.S. Figure Skating, this captivating ensemble was part of our shared skating community!

As a devoted follower, I was on my way home from the joint National Development Camp with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, organized by the governing body. The heartbreaking incident that occurred leaves me speechless, and my thoughts are deeply with those who have been affected.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way: “Back in 1995, I was thrilled to learn that the world-renowned Russian figure skating pair, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, whom I deeply admire for their grace and skill on the ice, also embarked on a journey of love off the rink. This union was confirmed by the sport’s governing body.

Hamaad Raza, with his spouse being a passenger on the American Airlines flight, was anticipating her arrival at the international terminal.

He expressed his hope to CBS affiliate WUSA9, saying, “I sincerely hope someone is rescuing her from the river at this moment. That’s all I can wish for. I’m sending my hopes and prayers up to heaven.

As an overjoyed admirer, I can’t help but share the exciting news: Yours truly, Kiah Duggins, was fortunate enough to be a fellow traveler on that very flight! The prestigious Howard University School of Law recently announced that I, a dedicated civil rights attorney with a J.D. from the esteemed Harvard Law School, am set to become a member of their esteemed faculty this coming fall. Truly a dream come true!

According to Ron McLendon II, the deputy director of Public Affairs at Joint Task Force-National Capital Region/Military District of Washington, it was indeed a helicopter from Bravo Company, stationed at Davison Army Airfield in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, which is part of the 12th Aviation Battalion, that NBC News confirmed.

During the incident, it was revealed that the plane was engaged in a mid-flight training exercise when it collided.

The individuals aboard were recognized as Captain Rebecca Lobach (age 28), Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Eaves (age 39), and Staff Sergeant Ryan O’Hara, also 28.

These agencies – the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Army, and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) – are currently probing the accident, with the NTSB taking charge of the investigation. Additionally, the Department of Defense has launched an independent inquiry as well.

In their conversation with Today, ex-NTSB and FAA investigator Jeff Guzzetti stated that the air traffic control interactions from that night will undergo close examination by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The controller involved will be questioned, and the radar data will be analyzed meticulously by the NTSB.

On February 4th, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is still working on deciphering the cockpit voice recorders for both planes, as they recently reported. Simultaneously, the NTSB, along with the Naval Sea Systems Command Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, are persistently retrieving the debris from the Potomac River.

President Donald J. Trump shared his condolences about the tragedy.

As a devoted admirer, I’ve been thoroughly informed about the heart-wrenching incident that unfolded at Reagan National Airport. May heavens grant peace to those who have been affected. My deepest gratitude goes out to our courageous first responders for their tireless efforts. I’m closely following the evolving situation and will share more information as it becomes available.

It was confirmed that Ilia Malinin, the three-time U.S. figure skating champion, was not aboard the flight in question. On his Instagram Stories, he expressed his hope and concern for the wellbeing of those who were on the flight, stating “I hope and pray that everyone who was on that flight is safe.

At a recent press conference, Mayor Lily Wu of Wichita conveyed her sorrow by stating that the city’s heart is feeling particularly heavy.

“She expressed her sympathies with everyone affected, stating this unfortunate event will forge an unbreakable bond between residents of Washington, D.C., and Wichita, Kansas.

Two-time Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan expressed a heartfelt statement to journalists following the tragic accident that took the lives of six skaters who were once part of the Skating Club of Boston, where she too had previously trained.

Kerrigan shared tearfully that he felt deeply connected to being among our community. He added that discovering some of the plane passengers were acquaintances made the news all the more devastating.

2025-02-05 17:54

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