Figure Skating Championships Honors Victims of January Plane Crash

The 2025 World Figure Skating Championships commenced on March 26 in Boston, featuring a poignant tribute to the 28 members of the figure skating community who perished in a plane crash on January 29. Doug Lane, who lost his wife Christine and son Spencer in the tragedy, delivered a heartfelt speech, urging the community to support the surviving skaters while advocating for improved air travel safety. The ceremony included remarks from Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and a video tribute honoring the victims. Lane emphasized a message of hope and collective responsibility, stating that while some accidents are unavoidable, the circumstances of this crash should lead to actionable change. The event not only mourned the loss but also celebrated the resilience of the figure skating community, with performances and tributes highlighting the legacy of those lost. The championships, significant leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics, also saw standout performances, including a career-best score by American skater Alysa Liu.