U.S. Figure Skaters, Russian Champions Onboard Fatal DC Aircraft Collision

A devastating fatal DC aircraft collision has claimed the lives of multiple passengers, including several figure skaters who were returning home from a major training event.

On Wednesday evening, an American Airlines flight collided with a Blackhawk military helicopter over the Potomac River, resulting in a catastrophic crash. As of Thursday morning, officials had recovered 27 bodies, with no survivors expected.

Among those aboard the American Airlines jet were several members of U.S. Figure Skating, including athletes, coaches, and family members returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, which took place in Wichita from January 20 to January 26.

In a heartbreaking statement, U.S. Figure Skating expressed its grief over the fatal DC aircraft collision.

“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” the organization said, per Page Six. “We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.”

It remains unclear how many skaters were on the ill-fated flight, which was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. Officials have not yet confirmed the identities of the victims.

Russian championship ice dancing duo Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were also reportedly onboard, according to Russian state news agencies.

While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov did not confirm their names, he acknowledged the loss during a press conference. “We grieve and console with the families and friends who lost those of our fellow citizens who died in this plane crash,” he said. “Sad news is being confirmed.”

A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet operating as American Airlines Flight 5342 collided midair with a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport (DCA) around 9 p.m. local time Wednesday night, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

By Thursday morning, recovery teams had pulled 27 bodies from the submerged wreckage of the plane, along with one from the Army helicopter. Emergency responders initially launched a rescue mission, but Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly confirmed that efforts had now shifted to a recovery operation.

Both aircraft went down near Reagan National Airport, sending emergency crews scrambling in the frigid conditions to locate victims and wreckage. Officials are still working to determine the cause of the collision.

As the city reels from the disaster, Reagan National Airport is gradually resuming operations. By Thursday morning, ticket counters were reopening, and travelers were beginning to make their way through the terminals. Flights are expected to resume around 11 a.m. Eastern.

President Donald Trump addressed the tragedy in a statement on social media, saying he had been “fully briefed” on the crash. “May God bless their souls,” he wrote in reference to the victims.

He also thanked first responders for their efforts and assured the public that he was monitoring the situation.

However, the President of the United States also questioned why this tragedy occurred. "The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time," Trump posted on Truth Social early Thursday morning.

"It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane," he added. "This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!"

Authorities are working to determine what led to the collision and why both aircraft were in the same airspace near one of the nation’s busiest airports. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

As the figure skating community mourns the tragic loss of promising young talent and beloved champions, tributes are pouring in from fans and fellow athletes worldwide.