Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Figure Skaters

Sat Dec 13 2025 21:58:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A horrific mid-air collision over Washington DC results in the deaths of prominent skaters, including former world champions.

A tragic plane crash near Washington DC on Wednesday night resulted in the loss of several lives, including notable figures from the figure skating community. Among the passengers were esteemed former Russian champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, now coaches at the Figure Skating Club of Boston. The club confirmed the presence of six club members on the ill-fated flight. US officials report that at least 28 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River where the plane went down after colliding with a military helicopter.

Sixteen-year-old skaters Spencer Lane and Jinna Hahn were among those identified as passengers, alongside their mothers and the two coaches. The group was returning from a development camp in Wichita, Kansas, following the US National Figure Skating championships. Local media highlighted the deep impact of the tragedy on the skating community, with Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Figure Skating Club of Boston, remarking on the long-reaching repercussions of such devastating losses.

As rescue teams continue operations in the icy waters, US Figure Skating has confirmed the heartbreaking news regarding its members aboard the flight. This incident echoes a similar tragedy from 1961, when an entire US figure skating team lost their lives in a plane crash in Belgium. The event has left the community in mourning as investigations unfold and memories of the lost athletes linger.