US and Russian Figure Skaters Among Victims in Tragic Plane Crash
A midair collision over Washington, D.C. is leaving multiple figure skaters, coaches, and family members dead, casting a somber shadow over the international skating community.
Among the victims were 16-year-old skaters Spencer Lane and Jinna Han, along with their mothers and two Russian coaches. The group, affiliated with a Boston-based skating club, had been returning from a developmental camp tied to the recent U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
Doug Zeghibe said he was feeling the loss of many in the close, tight-knit community: "Skating is a very close and tight-knit community. I think for all of us, we have lost family."
The collision, which happened on Wednesday night, was between a commercial airliner and a military helicopter. U.S. officials confirmed that there are no expected survivors from the crash, which has already resulted in the recovery of 28 bodies from the wreckage.
Of the 64 passengers of the American Airlines flight, at least 14 are suspected to have been linked to the world of figure skating. The country's governing body for the sport, U.S. Figure Skating, reported that a few athletes, coaches, and their family members were on board the flight, though it refused to name any names.
The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation into the fatal accident. Experts are examining the possible factors leading to this catastrophe. Meanwhile, rescue teams keep on searching at the bottom of the freezing Potomac River, where the wreckage remains.
Even the figure skating family is in despair, and heartfelt tributes just keep pouring to the talented youthful athletes and highly dedicated coaches. Memorial events to be held have been expected across the world due to this incomprehensible figure skating tragedy loss.
