U.S. Figure Skating Honors Talented Lives Lost In Tragic D.C. Plane Crash
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on February 3, 2025 at 5:15 PM EST
Less than a week after the devastating Washington, D.C. plane crash, which claimed the lives of 28 athletes, coaches, and loved ones, U.S. Figure Skating has honored those lost by sharing a poignant tribute showcasing their incredible talent and contributions to the sport.
In a moving video montage set to a somber musical score, the governing body of American figure skating highlighted the rising stars and esteemed members of the community who perished in the tragedy.
U.S. Figure Skating Pays Tribute To Lives Lost In Tragic Washington, D.C. Plane Crash
Among those featured was 16-year-old Cory Haynos, who, just hours before boarding Flight 5342, had landed a triple axel at the U.S. National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas, a testament to his promising future in the sport.
Angela Yang and Sean Kay, an 11-year-old ice-dancing pair from the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club, were also included in the tribute. Their first-place routine from the 2025 Midwestern Sectional U.S. Ice Dance Final was shown, a heartbreaking reminder of the young talent lost.
The memorial video also paid tribute to several other skaters and members of the figure skating community, including Brielle Beyer, Edward Zhou, Everly & Alydia Livingston, Franco Aparicio, and Jinna Han.
The International Skating Union also shared a statement, saying 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. 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."
Washington, D.C. Air Collision Marks Deadliest U.S. Plane Crash in Two Decades
The tragic mid-air collision between a passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., has become the deadliest air disaster in the United States in 20 years. The catastrophic crash, which occurred on Wednesday evening, claimed the lives of all 67 people on board, leaving no survivors.
On Monday morning, salvage crews began the painstaking task of pulling pieces of the jet’s fuselage from the icy waters as recovery teams continued their search for victims. According to officials, the Bombardier CRJ700 had been on final approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport when it collided mid-air with the Army Black Hawk helicopter, igniting an explosive fireball and leaving behind a thick trail of smoke.
The devastating moment was captured in multiple videos, including dashcam footage and a live webcam feed operated by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, located just a few miles from the crash site.
Investigation Continues as Skating Community Mourns
In the immediate aftermath, emergency responders rushed to the crash site, battling darkness, strong winds, and near-freezing temperatures in an attempt to locate possible survivors. However, by Thursday morning, officials confirmed that no one had survived, shifting their focus to body recovery efforts.
As of Sunday afternoon, authorities reported that 55 victims had been positively identified, with recovery operations still underway.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the cause of the incident, including whether understaffing played a role in the tragedy.
Tara Lipinski Pays Heartfelt Tribute
As the figure skating world mourns, Olympic champion Tara Lipinski has spoken out about the devastating loss, sharing a heartfelt message via Instagram Stories.
“My heart is broken for our skating community,” Lipinski wrote, sharing a news article about the crash. “It’s unimaginable, the loss. We will mourn their absence and ALWAYS remember them. My heart is with all the families affected—that part I have no words for.”
Lipinski, who officially retired in 2022 after a celebrated career in the sport, continued, “Strength and loss won’t do it justice. My heart aches for those we lost, as well as everyone impacted by this devastating accident.”
A Lasting Legacy
The loss of these bright young athletes, dedicated coaches, and beloved community members has left an indelible mark on the world of figure skating.
As U.S. Figure Skating and the global skating community come together to grieve, the memories, talent, and legacies of those lost will continue to live on in the hearts of their peers, families, and fans.
