NORWOOD, Mass. (AP) – A tragic accident involving an American Airlines flight colliding with an Army helicopter claimed the lives of 14 members of the figure skating community, including two teenage skaters, their mothers, and two former world champions. The victims were returning from a national development camp following the U.S. Championships in Wichita, Kansas. Clubs in Philadelphia and the Washington area also mourned the loss of their community members.
The Skating Club of Boston, a prestigious training ground for figure skaters, was deeply affected by the tragedy. The club has produced Olympic and world champions, and the flags were lowered to half-staff outside the venue. The figure skating community came together to grieve the loss of their fellow skaters, coaches, and family members.
The victims included skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, as well as 1994 pairs world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. The Kremlin confirmed the involvement of the Russian champions in the accident. The incident also claimed the lives of three soldiers aboard the helicopter.
Despite the devastating loss, the figure skating community remains resilient and supportive of one another. The Skating Club of Boston plans to proceed with hosting the world championships in March, aiming to honor the memory of those affected by the tragedy. The European Championships continued with a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims. International Skating Union President Jae Youl Kim expressed condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the crash. The skating world is left heartbroken by the tragic event, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the sport.
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