Major Plane Crash Near Washington D.C. Claims 67 Lives, Including Figure Skaters

The figure skating community is in mourning following a tragic plane crash in Washington D.C., where an American Airlines flight collided with an Army helicopter, resulting in the deaths of nearly 70 individuals, including 14 figure skaters. Notable figures such as Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan expressed their heartbreak over the loss, with Kerrigan stating, 'I feel for the athletes, the skaters, their families,' highlighting the deep connections within the skating community. The victims included promising young skaters returning from a national development camp, as well as established coaches and champions, which has left a profound impact on their peers and families. Kerrigan, visibly emotional at a press conference, emphasized the need for support amongst those grieving, while Harding called the events 'absolutely devastating.' The Skating Club of Boston, where many of the victims trained, confirmed the names of several members lost in the crash. U.S. Figure Skating released a statement, expressing their sorrow and solidarity with all affected by this tragedy.