Members of U.S. Figure Skating Team Were Onboard Crashed U.S. Aircraft Near Washington

On January 29, 2025, a tragic mid-air collision occurred near Washington, D.C., between an American Airlines flight and a military Black Hawk helicopter. The plane, carrying members of the U.S. Figure Skating community, including former world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, after the National Development Camp. The crash, which claimed the lives of 60 passengers, including skaters, coaches, and family members, as well as three military personnel, occurred as the aircraft approached Ronald Reagan National Airport.

The victims included promising young athletes, such as Spencer Lane, who had shared excitement about attending the camp just hours before the crash. The National Development Camp was seen as crucial for developing future Olympic contenders. The search and recovery operation in the Potomac River is ongoing, with 27 bodies recovered from the plane and one from the helicopter. Authorities have suggested low survival chances, with difficult conditions hampering efforts.

U.S. Figure Skating expressed deep sorrow, while public figures like President Trump and Vice President JD Vance offered condolences. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the incident, and experts believe the collision might have been caused by the failure of safety systems below 700 feet. The cold and dangerous conditions in the Potomac River are making the search challenging.