The sports community is reeling from the tragicmid-air collision over Washington, D.C., which claimed the lives of 67 individuals, including several young figure skaters, their coaches, and families. The accident occurred when an American Airlines flight collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in no survivors.
Among the victims were members of the Skating Club of Boston, including athletes Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, their mothers, and married skating coaches Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova.
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese expressed her sorrow on social media. In one Instagram story, she wrote, “Leaving your home and coming back safely is such an underrated blessing that most of us take for granted.” In another, she shared a photo of the young skaters with the headline about the crash, accompanied by weeping and praying emojis, symbolizing her solidarity with the victims and their families.
Outpouring of support from the sports world
Reese’s sentiments were echoed across the sports world. Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson tweeted, “Cookie and I are praying for the families and friends of the 64 passengers on the American Airlines passenger flight and the 3 aboard the Black Hawk who lost their lives in the devastating plane crash in Washington D.C. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.”
The Boston Red Sox also conveyed their condolences, stating, “Our hearts are with all of those impacted by the unimaginable tragedy of the Flight 5342 collision. We mourn all the lives lost including those in the Skating Club of Boston family – individuals who inspired, competed, and brought pride to our region. We extend our deepest condolences to those affected around the world and in our Boston community.”
The International Skating Union emphasized the close-knit nature of the figure skating community, stating, “Figure skating is more than a sport – it’s a close-knit family – and we stand together.”
As investigations continue into the cause of the collision, the global sports community stands united in mourning the loss of these promising athletes and dedicated mentors. The tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the deep bonds within the world of sports.
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