23 Jan 2025; Wichita, Kansas, USA; General views of the logo on the ice before 2025 US Figure Skating Championship at Intrunt Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images Top figures and their coaches were among those who were on an American Airlines flight that crashed Wednesday evening near Washington, DC
The aircraft collided with an American Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport, and both fell into the Potomac River.
It was unknown if someone survived the crash. The aircraft contained four crew members and 60 passengers, and the helicopter had three people on board.
US figure skating issued a statement early Thursday morning that read, “US figure skating can confirm that several members of our skating community unfortunately were aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter last night in Washington, DC these athletes , coaches and coaches and family members returned home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with US figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
“We are destroyed by this unthinkable tragedy and keep the victim’s families close in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information when it becomes available.”
The American figure skating championships ran from January 20 to Sunday, although many riders remained for the advanced training camp, Team USA couple Skater Luke Wang told McClatchy News.
Wang, a 20-year-old pairs of the Baltimore area, tweeted, “Pray for anyone who on the flight from Wichita to DC. Among the passengers were riders and coaches. Absolutely heartbreaking.”
Pray for everyone on the flight from Wichita to DC. Among the passengers were riders and coaches. Absolutely heartbreaking.
– Luke Wang (@lueawang) January 30, 2025
-Field level media
