Olympian Tara Lipinski Speaks On Tragic DC Plane Crash Involving Athletes

Figure skating legend Tara Lipinski is mourning the tragic loss of multiple athletes following the catastrophic plane crash in Washington, D.C.

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

Among the passengers aboard the American Airlines jet were several members of U.S. Figure Skating, including athletes, coaches, and family members returning home from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.

Now, fellow figure skater Tara Lipinski is speaking out, paying tribute to those lives who were lost.

“My heart is broken for our skating community,” Lipinski wrote via Instagram Stories Thursday, sharing a news article about the crash.

“It’s unimaginable the loss. We will mourn their loss and ALWAYS remember them. My heart is with all the families affected- that part I have no words for.” The Olympic athlete, who started skating in 1988 before officially retiring in 2022, went on to say that “strength and loss won’t do it justice,” adding that her heart “aches” for those who lost their lives in the crash, as well as “everyone part of this devastating accident.”

Her reaction comes just a few hours after the US Figure Skating governing body released a statement announcing that several members of the skating community were onboard the American Airlines flight that collided with a Blackhawk military helicopter Wednesday night.

The statement said in part, “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."

"We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts," they added. "We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.”

According to Skating Club of Boston executive director Doug Zeghibe, at least six members or associates of the club lost their lives in the crash. Among them were teenage skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, along with their mothers and 1994 world champion pair skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who also competed in two Olympic Games and had been coaching at the Boston club.

The International Skating Union said it was "deeply shocked by the tragic accident."

"We are heartbroken to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends, and coaches, are understood to be among those on board," they said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. Figure skating is more than a sport -- it's a close-knit family -- and we stand together. We remain in close contact with U.S. Figure Skating and offer our full support during this incredibly difficult time."

The American Airlines flight had 60 passengers and four crew members aboard, while three Army soldiers were in the helicopter. The collision occurred as the jet attempted to land, sending both aircraft crashing into the icy waters of the Potomac River. A massive search-and-rescue operation was launched immediately.

On Thursday morning, Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly delivered grim news that no survivors are expected. “We are now in a recovery operation,” Donnelly said, confirming that 27 bodies had been recovered from the plane and one from the helicopter.

Authorities are still working to recover victims and investigate the cause of the collision.

As the figure skating world reels from this tragedy, tributes continue to pour in for the athletes and families affected. Investigators are still working to determine what caused the midair collision, as officials shift from rescue to recovery efforts in the icy waters of the Potomac River.

With one of its darkest days now unfolding, the skating community is coming together to honor those lost and support those left behind.