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Multiple figure skaters and coaches who took part in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas were reportedly aboard an airplane that crashed near Washington D.C. Wednesday night.
U.S. Figure Skating confirmed to media outlets, including the Kansas City Star, that the skaters and coaches were part of the National Development Team.
“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 statement from U.S. Figure Skating said. “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.”
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
The plane, American Eagle flight 5342 with 60 passengers and four crew on board, had taken off from Wichita, Kansas, and was approaching for landing when it collided with an Army helicopter mid-air.
The 2025 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships were held in Wichita from Jan. 20 until Sunday. According to the Star, some young athletes stayed in the city this week for an advanced training program.
“Praying for all those on the flight from Wichita to DC. Among the passengers were skaters and coaches. Absolutely heartbreaking,” American skater Luke Wang wrote on his Twitter/X account late Wednesday.
praying for all those on the flight from wichita to dc. among the passengers were skaters and coaches. absolutely heartbreaking. 💔
— LUKE WANG (@lukeawang) January 30, 2025
“I am in shock. Praying for families and my skating community,” ice dancer Ethan Peal wrote on his Twitter/X account.
The U.S. Figure Skating Championships concluded Sunday with the men’s free skate final. Defending world champion Ilia Malinin placed first, punching his ticket for the World Figure Skating Championships in Boston in March.
The Associated Press reported the precise number of victims remained unclear as rescue crews hunted for any survivors. Three soldiers were on board the helicopter, an Army official told the AP.
More to come on this story from Newsweek Sports.
