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14 figure skaters among victims of DC plane crash

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WASHINGTON — Fourteen figure skaters were among the victims of a tragic plane crash in the United States, marking the first major commercial aviation disaster since 2009.

The crash occurred on Wednesday evening when an American Airlines flight collided with a Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport. Officials confirmed that there were no expected survivors among the 64 people aboard the plane and the three in the helicopter.

Doug Zeghibe, CEO and executive director of the Skating Club of Boston, expressed profound grief over the loss, noting that six of the victims were from the Boston club, including two coaches, two teenage athletes, and two mothers of athletes.

The figure skaters and coaches were returning from the U.S. national championships in Wichita, Kansas, when the crash occurred. Wichita Mayor Lily Wu offered her condolences during a press conference, becoming emotional as she acknowledged the lack of survivors.

The skating community mourns the loss of its members, as the tragedy has left a significant impact on the close-knit group. “We are devastated and completely at a loss for words,” Zeghibe said, reflecting the sentiment of many affected by the incident.

Channel 9′s Hannah Goetz spoke with members of the Charlotte ice skating community, who said this tragedy is hitting them hard.

They said the figure skating community is tight-knit, and everyone has a connection in some way.

This includes the Extreme Ice Center in Indian Trail, which sent a dance team made up of two young skaters to the same camp the victims of the plane crash were returning from.

“It was overwhelming. This morning was really hard,” said Jenny Wesley-Gwyn.

Wesley-Gwyn is the director of the Extreme Ice Center. She said while she was devastated by the news, she was relieved to hear from her young team this morning.

Among the 60 passengers on the American Airlines flight were 14 figure skaters and the executive director of the Skating Club of Boston. This included 16-year-old Spencer Lane and 13-year-old Jinna Han, who were returning home from the U.S. Figure Skating National Developing Camp in Wichita, Kansas.

“They were young, vibrant athletes that had so much to offer,” Wesley-Gwyn expressed.

Wesley-Gwyn said the camp is something young athletes work all year for; it’s where they develop skills, as well as friendships.

“I know that that will greatly impact them because those were new friendships forged. You know, it’s just going to be a lot for that young group,” she explained.

Despite the tragedy, Wesley-Gwyn and others at the Extreme Ice Center said they are trying to find hope in the beauty of the sport.

“We will all gain strength from each other and memories and look ahead to how we can build. And keep their names in the forefront and honor them,” said Wesley-Gwyn.

Westly-Gwyn said many of the coaches personally knew those on board the flight. The center has put together a memorial for the victims.

The National Development Camp actually started in North Carolina just 5 years ago, in 2020.

ABC News contributed to the report.


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