Nearly half of the passengers aboard the American Airlines plane that collided with a military helicopter about Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport last week had links to the figure skating community.
Samuel Auxier, Interim CEO of US figure skating, issued a statement on Sunday that verified the number and remembers the killed.
“Since the tragic crash of American Airlines Flight 5342 late on Wednesday evening, US figure skating has joined the loved ones who lost their lives and offer support from our extended society while remembered the light they brought us Everyone, “Auxier said.
“We can confirm that we have lost 28 members of the figure skating community on this flight. They were incredible athletes, caring and supportive family members and coaches who worked tirelessly for their athletes. They were loved members of our global skating society and we mourn their loss together . ”
In total, 11 riders between the ages 11 and 16, four coaches and 13 others – all family members were killed to the riders – according to the organization.
The victims returned to their homes from Wichita, can., Where the American national championships were held two weeks ago, followed by a development camp for the young riders. They were among the 60 passengers and four crew members on the plane, of which no one survived the crash. The three military crew members aboard the helicopter also died.
“Those we lost devoted their lives to make themselves to be skates, many with the goal that one day became Olympians,” Auxier said. “We will never forget them. May their passion and the excellence inspire us and give us strength in the coming days. At the moment our hearts are heavy with sadness, and we stand with their families and friends when we mourn this unthinkable loss.”
US figure skating will host a tribute at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, March 2, with revenue that goes to the recently founded American figure skating Family Support Fund, created to provide help to the families directly affected by The crash.
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