Members Of U.S. Figure Skating Team Confirmed To Be On Plane Involved In Collision Near Washington, D.C.
on Jan 30, 2025
An American Airlines Plane And Army Helicopter Collided Near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport On Wednesday, January 29
It’s been confirmed that multiple members of the U.S. Figure Skating team were on the American Airlines plane that collided with an Army helicopter on Wednesday evening (January 29).
American Airlines Flight 5342 originated from Witchita, Kansas. The aircraft was preparing to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near Washington, D.C., when it collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter around 9 PM local time. Reports indicate that both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River after impact.
Dozens of first responders arrived on the scene to assist in search and recovery efforts. A Thursday morning (January 30) update from NBC 4 out of Washington, D.C., states 30 bodies have been recovered. Recovery efforts are still ongoing.
D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly said early on Thursday, “At this point, we don’t believe there are survivors from this accident.” 64 individuals were onboard American Airlines Flight 5342, while 3 people were on the Black Hawk helicopter.
President Trump released two statements about the tragedy, saying in one:
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
Trump offered official remarks about the tragedy during a news briefing on Thursday morning. He opened with a moment of silence, repeated that there were no survivors, and vowed to find out the cause of the accident.
“We’ll find out how this disaster occurred and we’ll ensure that nothing like this ever happens again,” he said.
Multiple Members Of The U.S. Figure Skating Team Were On American Airlines Flight 5342
With recovery efforts still ongoing, the identities of all of the victims have not been confirmed. But, the U.S. Figure Skating organization confirmed in a statement that multiple members of its team were on American Airlines Flight 5342.
“U.S. Figure Skating can confirm that several members of our skating community were sadly aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter yesterday evening in Washington, D.C. 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,” the organization said in a statement cited by PEOPLE. “We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.”
PEOPLE reports that Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, two Russian figure skating world champions, were also onboard.
Doug Zeghibe, the CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, confirmed that six people with ties to the organization were on American Airlines Flight 5342: two skaters, their mothers, and two coaches.
Zeghibe identified the skaters as 16-year-olds Spencer Lane and Jinna Hahn. Their mothers were Molly Lane and Jin Hahn. Zeghibe also confirmed the two coaches were Russian skating champions Naumov and Shishkova.
“Six is a horrific number for us. But we’re fortunate and grateful it wasn’t more than six. This will have long, reaching impacts for our skating community,” CBS News quotes Zeghibe as saying.
Jon Maravilla, another figure skater who was in Kansas, also spoke out about the tragedy. Previous incorrect reports stated that Maravilla was supposed to be on American Airlines Flight 5342 but wasn’t able to board due to size restrictions that prevented his dog from being carried onto the plane.
While Maravilla was unable to board his flight in Witchita, it was not Flight 5342. He shared a clarification on his Instagram Story after seeing the false reports.
“Hey guys just want to clarify, these stories are not true. I was flying to detroit [sic]. I was not supposed to be on the dc [sic] flight. My heart goes out to the victims and I cannot believe this is real. I am still in shock…too many friends gone too soon. Rest easy to the victims.”
Our prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those who were lost in this horrific tragedy…
