Nobody would’ve expected it in their scariest nightmares. Something direct from the scripts of Hollywood action films! But hold on! It is not about some cool action moves on the silver screen. Rather, it’s a tragedy that held 14 figure skaters prisoner of their worst fate. They met the ultimate peril near the heart of the US capital. Yes, nobody would have believed a passenger jet with 64 people colliding with a US Army helicopter in midair and crashing into the Potomac River in the twentieth century in real life. But that’s what happened and the entire incident dealt a massive blow to the American sporting community, including figure skating. However, a detailed description of the incident might help to realize the terror. 

The night of January 29 had been completely different this time. The American Eagle Flight 5342, under its parent carrier, American Airlines, took a flight from Wichita, Kansas. It had 60 passengers and four crew members. However, the 60 passengers included 14 skaters and coaches. Additionally, the figure skating bunch had six members who belonged to The Skating Club of Boston. They had been coming back from a development camp after competing in the US national figure skating championships hosted in Wichita, Kansas. A tough schedule! But everything crumbled in the horror night. The figure skaters couldn’t reach their destination. Their fates had a different plan. 

The updates claim that the plane carrying the figure skating teammates and coaches collided with the US Army helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. It could have been a safe landing. The figure skaters could have returned to their homes safely. But the moment stood as a barrier. Meanwhile, the crash took over the situation and made everyone disbelieve the reality. 

However, the cold, windy night stood witness to the crash. Nonetheless, the search operations found a challenge after discovering the entire incident. They had to counter opposing situations. Later, on Thursday, 27 bodies were recovered. That confirmed the casualty.

On January 30, Sarah Hirshland dropped a long, sad note after the news came. The USOPC CEO penned, “Today we join in mourning the profound loss of the passengers aboard Flight 5342 and all those impacted by this tragedy. We are devastated, and there are truly no words to capture the depth of our sorrow.” Meanwhile, USA Wrestling joined USOPC to pay tribute to the fallen figure skaters. 

The Instagram handle of USA Wrestling mentioned, “In times of profound loss, the sports community stands as one. Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to everyone affected and in the mourning.” The body further noted on its Instagram post, “We stand in solidarity with our fellow athletes and coaches and all Americans during this incredibly difficult time.” Seriously, the day marked a black chapter in sporting history. But anything on the identity of the figure skaters? 

On January 30, BNO News Live’s X-handle revealed the six names of those who fell victim to the crash. Those names were Spencer Lane, Christine Lane (Spencer’s mom), Jinna Han, Jin Han (Jinna’s mom), Vadim Naumov (coach), and Evgenia Shishkova (coach). All had been a part of The Skating Club of Boston. Additionally, there were a few more. The world champions!

Yes, the unfortunate Flight 5342 had the Russian-born ice skating coaches and former world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. They were husband and wife. The Skating Club of Boston confirmed their presence on the flight. Now, could you fathom the loss? Well, many athletes, even major stars from other sports, voiced their feelings. 

The American sporting community stands firm beside the figure skating faction 

In such a critical time of figure skating, apart from USOPC and US wrestling, US gymnastics penned a heartfelt note, sharing brotherhood. “@usfigureskating, you have our love & support,” the caption claimed. However, apart from the US Gymnastics, a few of its stars openly expressed their emotions. Enter Gabby Douglas. 

The first Black Olympic all-around champion in women’s gymnastics revealed her emotions in her Instagram story. She wrote, “as an Olympian my heart breaks for the skaters, their parents and coaches who have left us far too soon. their grace on the ice, their love and passion and the dreams they shared with the world never be forgotten. they brought joy to many, inspiring us all with their dedication, courage, and beauty.” However, talking about Olympian gymnast, Kathy Johnson Clarke joined Gabby in mirroring a similar sentiment. 

In her Instagram story, Kathy re-shared US Figure Skating’s note and penned, “Heartbroken beyond words. My heart & prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.” In the meantime, the Baltimore Bullet made his presence marked in the gloomy phase. 

Michael Phelps shared the emoji of the broken heart on his Instagram story while re-sharing Sarah Hirshland’s Instagram post. The profound loss of the figure skating sport has moved the communities. The fans would take time to move on from this.