Washington DC Plane Crash: US Figure Skating Championship Contestants Among Victims

A tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C., has sent shockwaves in the figure skating fraternity as several victims were connected to the US Figure Skating Championship. There were both skaters and coaches aboard the flight, according to Team USA pair skater Luke Wang.

Heartbreaking Loss for the Skating Community

"Praying for all those on the flight from Wichita to D.C. Among the passengers were skaters and coaches. Absolutely heartbreaking," Wang posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The plane took off from Wichita in Kansas and was carrying a number of passengers who had just competed in the US Figure Skating Championship between 20 and 26 January. Many of the athletes had stayed behind in Kansas to attend the National Development Camp, Wang told the Wichita Star Eagle.

Team USA ice dancer Ethan Peal took to social media to say he was in shock, tweeting: "I am in shock. Praying for families and my skating community."

Skating Legends Among the Victims

Two of the passengers identified were Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, winners of the 1994 World Figure Skating Championship pairs. Two people who knew figure skating, their tragic loss sends ripples of shock through the figure skating fraternity, for whom many tributes flow in, remembering the legendary athletes.

Midair Collision: What We Know So Far

The Federal Aviation Administration said it was a midair collision incident that happened between an American Airlines regional jet and a military Blackhawk helicopter. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. EST when the jet was approaching the runway.

An Army official said the Blackhawk was on a routine training flight when it collided. The number of casualties is not yet clear, but American Airlines reported 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard the plane. Three soldiers were in the helicopter.
Rescue Efforts and Ongoing Investigation

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser refrained from commenting on the rescue efforts or the condition of the submerged aircraft in the Potomac River. Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly provided limited details when asked about survivors, stating, "We don’t know yet. But we’re working."

As this story unfolds, authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision and are focused on rescue operations.

A Community in Mourning

This is just the worst nightmare for the figure skating world, while all the respective families, friends, and fans wait for further updates in regard to the terrible accident. It is always a loss when talented skaters and their coaches leave this world. The flow of tributes and prayers is coming from every corner. 

This story is developing. Please check back for updates as more information becomes available.