Nancy Kerrigan's Heartbreaking Reaction to Skaters' Tragic Deaths in Plane Crash

Nancy Kerrigan is mourning a tragic loss for the figure skating community.

Twice an Olympic medal winner, she choked back sobs while addressing the media, recounting the devastating American Airlines accident that tragically took the lives of six young skaters from the Boston-based Skating Club, where Kerrigan once honed her skills.

In my heartfelt words, I felt compelled to stand among you, our cherished community, and be a part of this shared journey. Knowing that some of the individuals aboard that flight were familiar faces only intensifies the sorrow we all feel.

She mentioned that she’s struggling to cope with the unfortunate event, and she came to the gathering primarily to be around those she cares for. In her own words, “We send our best wishes – the families – for their bravery and resilience as they navigate through the challenging times ahead.

In conclusion, Kerrigan expressed sympathies towards everyone impacted by the tragic plane collision. As reported by President Donald Trump, this incident resulted in the loss of every passenger on the commercial plane as well as those on a military aircraft involved in the collision.

She expressed her empathy for the athletes, skaters, their loved ones, and everyone else on that plane. “As both Americans and humans, we’ve faced hardships before, and we’ve proven our resilience. It’s how we react to these situations that truly defines us, even when it seems impossible. We find a way to rise again.

Kerrigan added, “It’s not easy, but that’s what we have to do together.”

In a confirmation, Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, disclosed the individuals from his team who were on flight 5342: Jinna Han, Jin Han, Spencer Lane, Christine Lane, Vadim Naumov, and Evgenia Shishkova.

Doug posted on X (previously Twitter) on Jan 30, expressing that our sports community and this Club have endured an unbearable sorrow due to this tragic event. Skating is a closely bonded group where parents and children connect almost daily for training and teamwork. We all feel like one big family. We are heartbroken and struggle to find the right words to express our feelings.

Kerrigan’s previous rival, Tonya Harding, likewise expressed her sympathies in the wake of the plane crash – an incident marking the first significant commercial aircraft accident on American soil since 2009.

She posted on X, January 30th: ‘The events from last night in Washington, DC are heart-wrenchingly tragic.’ I’ve just learned that some professional figure skaters were on the plane too. My thoughts and sympathies go out to all those affected and their loved ones.

For everything to know about the American Airlines collision, keep reading…

In the evening of January 29th, American Airlines flight 5342 departing from Wichita, Kansas and bound for Washington, D.C., unfortunately collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter in an area close to the Reagan Washington National Airport. This collision was confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration via their social media platform, previously known as Twitter. The ensuing accident involving both the plane carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members, and the helicopter with its 3 occupants, resulted in a crash into the Potomac River.

A Bombardier CRJ-700 series twin-engine plane, manufactured in Canada, was flown by American Airlines’ affiliate, PSA Airlines.

Originally intended as a rescue effort, it’s now shifted into a recovery operation. As of this report, 28 bodies have been retrieved from the river, and District of Columbia Fire Chief John Donnelly has verified this information.

At the press conference on January 30th, the official stated that based on current information, it appears no one survived. Their focus now shifts towards locating and recovering the bodies so they can be returned to their families.

During their investigation into the tragic event, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy disclosed that the helicopter was following a typical flight path when it collided with the aircraft, and they had been mindful of the plane’s presence nearby.

At the news conference, he clarified that the helicopter was following a typical flight path last night. Residents of the Washington D.C. region may be familiar with this sight as helicopters often move up and down the river, especially if you reside in D.C., where this particular flight pattern is common.

60 individuals, which included American figure skaters, their coaches, and relatives, were part of the group. As stated by U.S. Figure Skating, they were attending a camp in Wichita, Kansas.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m deeply saddened to share that I, along with numerous athletes, coaches, and their families, were returning home from a joint National Development Camp held alongside the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. It is heartbreaking to express the depth of our sorrow as we grapple with this unimaginable tragedy. Our thoughts and sympathies are firmly with the families affected by this loss.

In 1995, the world-champion Russian figure skating duo, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov – who are married – were reportedly aboard as well, according to Russian news outlets.

Today, Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, shared some distressing news from Washington, as reported by NBC News. He expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families and friends of the Russian citizens who tragically perished in the airplane accident.

A fellow, who had a spouse aboard an American Airlines flight, was anticipating her arrival at the global terminal.

He shared with CBS affiliate WUSA9, “I’m fervently hoping that someone is rescuing her from the river at this very moment. That’s the best I can hope for; I’m simply sending my hopes up to a higher power.

It was confirmed by Ron McLendon II, the Public Affairs Deputy Director for Joint Task Force-National Capital Region/Military District of Washington, that the helicopter belonged to Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion stationed at Davison Army Airfield in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, who spoke to NBC News.

The official revealed that the plane was engaged in a training exercise when it collided.

These agencies – the Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. Army, and the National Transportation Safety Board – are all looking into the recent accident. Notably, the National Transportation Safety Board is spearheading this investigation.

In their conversation with Today, ex-NTSB and FAA investigator Jeff Guzzetti indicated that the air traffic control communication from that night would undergo thorough examination by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). This includes interviewing the controller involved and scrutinizing the radar data provided by NTSB.

Currently, authorities are continuing their search at the crash site for the data recorders, often referred to as “black boxes,” that contain details about the flight and its trajectory, according to a source from the National Transportation Safety Board who spoke with NBC News.

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

The White House has been informed about the tragic incident that happened at Reagan National Airport. May those affected rest in peace. Kudos to our emergency responders for their remarkable efforts. I’m keeping a close eye on the developing events, and further information will be shared when available.

Ilia Malinin, the men’s figure skater who secured his third consecutive U.S. figure skating championship in Witchita on January 26th, clarified he did not travel on the flight. On his Instagram Stories, he expressed his concerns, “I wish and hope for everyone who was on that flight to be safe.

At a press briefing, Wichita Mayor Lily Wu conveyed her sorrow by stating that the city’s heart is feeling particularly weighty.

1. “She expressed her condolences to everyone affected,” she stated. “This unfortunate event has created an unbreakable bond between the people of Washington, D.C., and Wichita, Kansas.”

2. “In sympathy with all who are affected, she declared,” she said. “This sad occurrence will forge a lasting connection between Washington, D.C., and Wichita, Kansas.”

3. “She conveyed her sorrow to everyone involved,” she expressed. “As a result of this calamity, the residents of Washington, D.C., and Wichita, Kansas, are now forever linked.”

4. “She empathized with everyone affected,” she stated. “This catastrophe has created an indissoluble bond between Washington, D.C., and Wichita, Kansas.”

5. “She felt the pain of all those affected,” she declared. “In the wake of this disaster, people in Washington, D.C., and Wichita, Kansas, will be forever united.”

2025-01-31 01:51

Nancy Kerrigan’s Heartbreaking Reaction to Skaters’ Tragic Deaths in Plane Crash

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