The figure skating world is in mourning after a devastating plane crash claimed the lives of several talented athletes and coaches, many of whom were affiliated with the prestigious Skating Club of Boston. Olympic silver medalist Nancy Kerrigan, a prominent member of the club, visited the rink in Norwood, Massachusetts, to offer support and solace to the grieving community. The crash, which involved a commercial American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, occurred on Wednesday night, leaving a profound void in the hearts of many.
Kerrigan Seeks Solace and Offers Support in Wake of Tragedy
Deeply affected by the loss, Kerrigan expressed the need to be surrounded by the skating community during this difficult time. “I told them, I have to be around you guys,” Kerrigan shared exclusively with PEOPLE. “I needed the community, the support. It’s okay to ask for help and to be there for one another.” The tragedy resonated deeply with Kerrigan, a native of nearby Stoneham, Massachusetts, who understands the tight-knit nature of the figure skating world.
A Devastating Loss for the Skating Club of Boston and Beyond
Among the victims were six individuals connected to the Skating Club of Boston: esteemed coaches and former world pairs champions Evgenia Shiskova and her husband Vadim Naumov; promising young skater Spencer Lane and his mother Christine; and talented skater Jinna Han and her mother Jin. The crash also claimed the lives of skaters from other clubs, including sisters Everly and Alydia Livingston, further amplifying the widespread grief. “It’s heart-wrenching,” Kerrigan lamented. “Everybody who died is somebody’s somebody.”
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Remembering the Victims: A Community United in Grief
The athletes and coaches on American Airlines Flight 5342 were returning from a development camp held after the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The event, meant to foster growth and camaraderie, now serves as a poignant reminder of the immense potential lost. “Our sport and this Club have suffered a horrible loss with this tragedy,” CEO Doug Zeghibe expressed on X (formerly Twitter). “We are devastated and completely at a loss for words.”
Spencer Lane: A Rising Star Taken Too Soon
The family of 16-year-old Spencer Lane released a statement celebrating his passion for figure skating. “His ascent from basic Learn to Skate classes to U.S. Figure Skating’s National Development Team in just a few short years was unprecedented,” the statement read. “We are so grateful that his last week was filled with joy and surrounded by his beloved Skating Club of Boston and the U.S. Figure Skating family.” Lane’s rapid progress in the sport underscored his dedication and talent, making his loss all the more heartbreaking.
Echoes of Past Tragedies: The 1961 Sabena Flight 548 Crash
The recent plane crash evokes memories of a similar tragedy that struck the figure skating community in 1961. Sabena Flight 548 crashed, killing all 18 members of the U.S. figure skating team en route to the world championships. Kerrigan acknowledged the historical parallel, stating, “This really hits home. The skating community has been through tragedy before.” The 1961 crash led to the establishment of a memorial fund by U.S. Figure Skating to support aspiring skaters, a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the sport.
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The Skating Club of Boston: A Legacy of Excellence and Resilience
The Skating Club of Boston, deeply impacted by this tragedy, has nurtured numerous figure skating legends. Among its notable alumni are Dr. Tenley Albright, the first American woman to win Olympic gold in figure skating; two-time Olympic champion Dick Button, who recently passed away; and 1992 Olympic silver medalist Paul Wylie. Kerrigan herself represented the club throughout her illustrious career, winning bronze at the 1992 Albertville Olympics and silver at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics. The club’s history of excellence underscores the profound impact of this loss on the broader figure skating world. The community now faces the challenging task of healing and rebuilding, honoring the memory of those lost while continuing to foster the passion and talent that define the sport. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the moments shared with loved ones. As the skating community navigates this difficult time, they find strength in their shared memories, unwavering support, and enduring love for the sport. The legacy of those lost will continue to inspire future generations of skaters, ensuring that their passion and dedication live on.
