Figure skaters among those in the mid-air collision over DC

[Bear]

For those unaware, an American Airlines passenger plane collided with an Army helicopter overnight, resulting in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac. There are still a lot of unknowns, though it is increasingly likely that there will be no survivors.

US Figure Skating has announced that “several members of our skating community” were on the AA flight. They added, “These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas,”.

Additionally, Reuters is reporting that Russian figure skaters were also on board, including Yevgenia Shishkova, Vadim Naumov, and Inna Volyanskaya.

More info on the US Figure Skaters here: https://www.kansas.com/news/local/article299420529.html

More info on the Russian Figure Skaters here: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/renowned-russian-figure-skating-couple-were-board-us-plane-that-crashed-tass-2025-01-30/

More info on the collision here: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/live-blog/live-updates-plane-crashes-potomac-river-collision-helicopter-reagan-n-rcna189942

[Sir Rols]

That’s terrible news after what was already a terrible tragedy 

[StefanMUC]

When you see the footage of the crash, it’s absolutely frightening. RIP to all the victims.

Also, there was that terrible crash in the 50s/60s where almost the whole US Skating team was killed, no? All very zragic.

[Rob2012]

Just seen the news, scary. May all those lost Rest In Peace.

[baron-pierreIV]

OH NO!!  Just woke up to this news!!  I am truly shocked.  It immediately brings to mind the horrible crash in 1961 -- 64 years ago -- when another crash in Belgium nearly wiped out the entire US Figure Skating ream en route to the Worlds in Prague that year.  

Also, I've had 1-degree relations with the foremost couple there -- Vadim Naumov and his wife.  I helped/worked with the 1992 Worlds in Oakland/San Francisco and I recall seeing Naumov up-close and in person, and thought what a very striking Russian he was!! 

Boy, this will cast a pall on the Worlds set for Boston in March -- and get this -- next year, after the Olympics in Milano, the 2026 Worlds are scheduled for PRAGUE again!!  If I were the ISU, I would not be scheduling ANY Competition in Prague!! 

One of the lessons learned from that tragedy of 1961 was NEVER to put entire US teams on the same flights--nor that families should be travelling together. I guess people forget!  And this is why Winter Olympic host cities (w/ dangerous travel conditions -- like Stockholm and Sigulda) have little chance of being selected. 

RIP, Figure Skating artists!!  Thanks for all your artistry and the pleasure I have gotten see you do your magic!!  

P.S. Just looked at the list of World Figure Skating locales, apparently, Prague hosted again in 1962 (a re-do) and in 1993 (the year after the one in the SF Bay Area) without incident.  It's just TOO SPOOKY!! 

Edited January 30 by baron-pierreIV

[Durban Sandshark]

Very horrible news indeed.   The Boston Skate Club president, visibly moved from the tragedy, made allusions about the 1961 air crash saying it was just now coming out of that very shadow. And now this sadly happened and how this will be felt in US figure skating for a very long time as a legacy moment. Also, it's very cold in the Potomac waters right now

RIP to everyone who lost their lives and prayers for their families. Vadim's and Evegina's son Maxim must be devastated right now he lost his parents. 

[Palette86]

 

RIP to all of the victims who tragically got involved in such a horrible accident.

 

[Bear]

Statement from Thomas Bach:

We are deeply saddened by the tragic air accident in Washington DC. On behalf of the IOC, and personally, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to all those affected, which we understand may include Olympians, young athletes, and their support staff.

Our thoughts are with all the victims, their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

[baron-pierreIV]

In addition to the tragedy in the nation's capital, skating legend and 2x US Olympic gold medalist, Dick Button, also jsut passed away at 95!  God must be getting bored.  He's calling home some of his best skaters . . .  but not THAT sphincter muscle in 1600 Penn.  (Dick was also a FB friend.)  RIP. Mr. Button and thanks for the memories!!

American figure skating icon and broadcaster, Dick Button, dead at 95 

P.S.  This just posted on YouTube.  God, I didn't know he was from Englewood, NJ.  I sort of know that town because my favorite aunt back East lived in Englewood for awhile, and I used to visit her and my uncle in their modest but incredibly loving home. It was a real respite from the hectic life of Manhattan!  I wish Dick and I had touched on that!  I am sure he would have been very pleased.  

 

Edited January 31 by baron-pierreIV

[baron-pierreIV]

Wow, yesterday's tragedy really hit Boston bad. 

#1 - A number of those who died (the Naumovs, and it's not been confirmed whether son Maxim was also on the flight) were from the Boston Skating Club. 

#2 - The Boston Skating Club is actually the HOST organization behind March's Worlds.  (Side note, I also worked on San Francisco's ill-fated attempt 4 years ago to get those Worlds for the Chase Center for this yeasr -- but the Warriors organization were no big help.) 

#3  - Apparently at the 1961 crash in Belgium, about half the victims were also from the Skating Club of Boston.  Quelle tragique.  My heart breaks for them.  

[baron-pierreIV]

More tributes . . . 

 

[Karenina]

A few comments - 

1) The 1961 Sabena Air crash wiped out the ENTIRE US Worlds team, plus several top coaches & family members on their way to Prague for Worlds.  

2) It was confirmed very quickly after the crash that Maxim Naumov, the son of Evgenia Shishkova & Vadim Naumov, returned home to Boston earlier in the week while his parents remained in Wichita with their younger skaters.  Shishkova & Naumov were the 1994 World Pairs Champions and represented Russia during their outstanding career, but moved to the US upon retirement to skate professionally & then remained afterwards, building up a very successful coaching career.  Max is one of the top US men and had just finished 4th at US Nationals (for the 3rd year in a row).  He was assigned to compete at 4 Continents later this month but withdrawn following the death of his parents.

3) The skaters, coaches & parents traveling home from Wichita were attending the National Development Camp, which is for younger - novice & intermediate level - skaters who have been identified as top talent to further nurture & develop.  These skaters are from all over the country & there wouldn't have been any reason for the USFS to suggest or impose any travel restrictions like the ones that they have had in place since the 1961 crash.  All told, of the 60 passengers on the flight, 28 were skaters, coaches or parents who had been at the NDC.  

4) In addition to the 6 lost by the Skating Club of Boston, the clubs impacted were Washington Figure Skating Club (Ilia Malinin's home club) with 7 lost, Skating Club of Northern Virginia with 8 lost, University of Delaware Figure Skating Club with 5 lost and ION Figure Skating Club (located in northern Virginia) with 2 lost.  But just because these kids were mostly from the DMV & Boston, that doesn't mean their loss isn't widely felt across the country.  They were returning home from a great event where they made new friends, renewed old friendships, experienced & learned so much, and were soaking in the incredible, passionate support network that is US figure skating.

5) There is going to be a really wonderful benefit show on March 2 in Washington, DC to honor the memories of ALL of the victims from both the plane and helicopter.   https://monumentalsports.com/2025/02/legacy-on-ice-benefit-at-capital-one-arena-to-support-victims-of-the-tragedy-at-ronald-reagan-washington-national-airport/  I'm sure there will be additional skaters added - there are current national medalists who are members of the clubs impacted and I'd be surprised if they aren't included when all the plans are finalized (especially Alisa Efimova & Misha Mitrofanov, 2025 US Pairs Champions who are from SC of Boston).  

From the press release - 

The event will be co-hosted by 1988 Olympic champion Brian Boitano and will include:
Ilia Malinin ... Amber Glenn ... Madison Chock & Evan Bates ... Alysa Liu ... Tara Lipinski ... Kristi Yamaguchi ... Scott Hamilton ... Johnny Weir … And many more to be announced.

This event is made possible through in-kind contributions. Monumental Sports & Entertainment is donating all services and event costs. For those interested in contributing directly, please visit: www.MonumentalSports.com/LegacyOnIce

Event Details
Date: Sunday, March 2, 2025
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm ET
Location: Capital One Arena, 601 F Street, NW, Washington, D.C.
Participating groups to honor the families of the fallen and the first responders:

Members of the Men’s, Women’s, Ice Dance and Pairs US National Figure Skating Teams

Figure Skating Legends and Icons

Members of DMV Skating Clubs

Members of the Skating Club of Boston

NHL’s Washington Capitals

NBA’s Washington Wizards

WNBA’s Washington Mystics

NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go

MLB’s Washington Nationals

MLS’ D.C. United

NFL’s Washington Commanders

NWSL’s Washington Spirit

Additional event dynamics will be announced once confirmed.

Tickets
Tickets will go on sale starting Monday, February 10th at 10:00am ET on the Ticketmaster website for Capital One Arena. Ticketmaster, official partner of Capital One Arena, has agreed to waive all ticketing fees for this event. ...

Supporters will also have the ability to make tax deductible donations directly to a joint fund supporting the participating causes through the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation.
Proceeds Beneficiaries
All proceeds will be collected by the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation and equally distributed to the U.S. Figure Skating Family Support Fund, Greater Washington Community Foundation’s “DCA Together Relief Fund,” and DC Fire & EMS Foundation. To contribute, please visit: www.MonumentalSports.com/LegacyOnIce.

[Karenina]

Just saw this on X - if you're in the US and have Peacock then you'll be able to watch the Legacy on Ice on March 2nd, and it is set to air on NBC on March 30th.

 

[baron-pierreIV]

The full benefit LEGACY IN ICE show (I think it was last night) for the families and First Responders of the January crash on the Potomac!! You're seeing it here ahead of the Official NBC Broadcast on March 30th.