The 1994 Washington D.C. plane crash, involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, claimed the lives of 67 individuals, including Olesya Taylor and her 12-year-old daughter, Olivia Ter. For Andrey Ter, the husband and father left behind, the tragedy ripped a hole in his life, leaving him with a grief that continues to resonate decades later. This is the story of a family shattered by a sudden loss, a father’s enduring love, and the memory of a young figure skater with Olympic dreams.
A Devastating Loss: Remembering Olesya and Olivia
Andrey Ter vividly remembers the day his life irrevocably changed. He waited at Reagan National Airport, anticipating the arrival of his wife and daughter, completely unaware of the impending disaster. Olesya, a 50-year-old pediatrician working as a medical assistant while pursuing U.S. certification, and Olivia, a budding figure skater with immense potential, were aboard the ill-fated flight. A simple text message from Olesya, “We are landing,” would be their last communication. Just one minute later, the unthinkable happened.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(736×275:738×277)/Av-Ter-Olivia-Ter-Washington-D.C.-plane-crash-020525-abc418e146a74c0db16f2b650bc01fb1.jpg)
Andrey paints a poignant picture of his wife and daughter. Olesya, described as a kind, generous, and beautiful woman, was deeply devoted to her daughters, supporting their various pursuits and providing them with opportunities to explore their passions. Olivia, a driven and athletic young girl, possessed a fierce determination to achieve her goals. Her passion for figure skating burned brightly, fueled by dreams of Olympic glory.
Olivia’s Olympic Dream: A Future Cut Short
Olivia’s talent on the ice was undeniable. She had risen rapidly in the ranks of U.S. figure skating, climbing from 30th to 4th in her age group in the Eastern Division within a year. Her coach, Olympic gold medalist Ilia Kulik, recognized her extraordinary potential, believing she could compete at a national level within a few years. Olivia meticulously planned her training, envisioning her path to the Olympics and the hard work required to reach that pinnacle. The 1994 plane crash tragically extinguished that dream, leaving a void in the figure skating world and a profound sense of loss for those who knew her.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(560×668:562×670)/Olesya-Taylor-Av-Ter-Olivia-Ter-Washington-D.C.-plane-crash-020525-1-59b26abcd0ca4b9bb2f069b48a30afed.jpg)
Beyond her athletic prowess, Olivia was a compassionate animal lover, drawn to creatures of all kinds. Andrey recalls her gentle nature and her love for all living things, a testament to her kind heart and vibrant spirit.
The Aftermath: Coping with Unthinkable Loss
The hours following the crash were a blur of frantic calls, unanswered questions, and agonizing uncertainty. Andrey desperately tried to contact his wife and daughter, clinging to the hope that they had somehow survived. Initial reports offered little clarity, adding to the already unbearable tension. He recalled driving by the airport daily, often visiting Gravelly Point Park with his family to watch planes take off and land, a stark contrast to the horrifying scene that unfolded that fateful evening.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(815×193:817×195)/crane-lifts-parts-of-plane-from-the-Potomac-River-American-Airlines-crash-on-February-03-2025-in-Arlington-Virginia-020325-1-18d823c45455409f989ccbe071d786b3.jpg)
The confirmation of their deaths shattered Andrey’s world. He grappled with disbelief, anger, and overwhelming sorrow. His eldest daughter, Anne Valerie (A.V.), provided solace and strength during those dark days. While the investigation into the crash provided some answers, it did little to alleviate the pain of losing his beloved wife and daughter.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(661×479:663×481)/dc-plane-crash-plane-wreckage-recovered-020425-9edc8d78b2714df0a0cca81a40c3b7a5.jpg)
A Lasting Legacy: Keeping Their Memory Alive
In the years since the tragedy, Andrey has focused on honoring the memory of Olesya and Olivia. He cherishes the last video he has of them, capturing their final moments before boarding the plane. A GoFundMe campaign established in their memory raised significant funds, reflecting the outpouring of support from the community. Though the pain of their loss remains, Andrey finds solace in keeping their memory alive, ensuring that their vibrant spirits and the dreams they held dear are never forgotten. The 1994 Washington D.C. plane crash serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing loved ones. For Andrey Ter, it is a tragedy that forever altered his life’s course, leaving an enduring legacy of love, loss, and remembrance.
