U.S. Figure Skating confirmed several of the organization’s skaters, coaches and family members were aboard American Eagle Flight 5342 that collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter the night of Wednesday, Jan. 29. Both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River in Washington D.C.
Authorities said there are likely no survivors, and now a recovery mission is underway for the plane crash.
Why were U.S. skaters in Wichita, Kansas?
The skaters participated in a skating and training camp in Wichita, Kansas, earlier this week.
“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement.
The organization did not identify any of the victims.
How long were the skaters in Kansas?
The Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championship wrapped up Sunday, Jan. 26, at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita. The competition was broadcast on national television.
Champions were crowned in the men’s, women’s, pairs and ice dancing events.
Skaters competed in the final qualifier for the U.S. World and World Junior Championship teams. It was the first time the event was held in Wichita.
The development camp followed the championships over the past few days in Wichita. U.S. Figure Skating said the athletes, coaches and families were returning home Wednesday.
Were there skaters from other countries on the flight?
Russian state media reported two of its former skaters were among the passengers on the American Eagle flight.
The two skaters were a married couple who won the 1994 World Championship and remained in the U.S. following their retirement in the late 1990s.
The Kremlin confirmed that Russian nationals were aboard the flight that crashed but did not provide details.
A spokesman said they grieve and console the families and friends of their fellow citizens who died in the crash.
