The figure skating community is in mourning following the tragic crash of American Airlines Flight 5342, which claimed the lives of 28 skaters, coaches, and family members returning home from the 2025 U.S.Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, kansas. U.S. Figure Skating interim CEO Samuel Auxier expressed profound grief in a heartfelt statement, honoring the victims as “amazing athletes, caring and supportive family members, and coaches who worked tirelessly for their athletes.” He added,“They were beloved members of our global skating community,and we mourn their loss together.”
The victims, ranging in age from 11 too 16, represented a diverse group of young talents and dedicated coaches from across the country. Among them were Angela Yang and Sean Kay, both 11, from the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club, and Brielle Beyer, 12, from the Skating Club of Northern Virginia. The Washington Figure Skating Club lost Everly livingston, 14, and Alydia Livingston, 11, while The Skating Club of Boston mourned the loss of Jinna Han, 13, and Spencer Lane, 16. Coaches such as Alexandr Kirsanov, Inna Volyanskaya, Vadim Naumov, and Evgenia Shishkova were also tragically taken.
In the wake of this devastating event, tributes are being planned across the nation. Auxier noted, “During the coming days and months, there will be many tributes to honor the victims. Our partner skating clubs, many of whom lost athletes who graced their ice, will be holding tributes and moments of silence.” The U.S. Figure Skating Federation has also shared a poignant tribute video on social media,commemorating the lives lost.
Below is a summary of the victims and their affiliations:
| Name | Age | Skating Club |
|———————|—–|———————————-|
| Angela Yang | 11 | University of Delaware FSC |
| Sean Kay | 11 | University of Delaware FSC |
| Brielle Beyer | 12 | Skating Club of Northern Virginia|
| Cory Haynos | 15 | Skating Club of Northern Virginia|
| Edward Zhou | 16 | skating Club of Northern Virginia|
| Everly livingston | 14 | Washington FSC |
| Alydia Livingston | 11 | Washington FSC |
| franco Aparicio | 14 | Washington FSC |
| Jinna Han | 13 | The Skating Club of Boston |
| Olivia Eve Ter | 12 | ion FSC |
| Spencer Lane | 16 | The Skating Club of Boston |
| Alexandr Kirsanov | – | University of Delaware FSC |
| Inna Volyanskaya | - | Washington FSC |
| Vadim Naumov | – | The Skating Club of Boston |
| Evgenia shishkova | – | The skating Club of Boston |
The figure skating world has been deeply impacted by this tragedy, and the legacy of thes young athletes and their coaches will undoubtedly be remembered. As the community comes together to honor their memory, the resilience and unity of the skating world shine through in the face of unimaginable loss.
honoring the Legacy: A Conversation on the Impact of the Skating Community Tragedy
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In the wake of the devastating crash of American Airlines flight 5342, the figure skating community is coming together to mourn the loss of young athletes, dedicated coaches, and supportive family members. Senior Editor of world-today-news.com sits down with Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned sports psychologist and figure skating expert, to discuss the profound impact of this tragedy and how the community is responding.
The Immediate Aftermath and Community Response
Senior Editor: Dr.Carter, the tragedy has deeply affected the figure skating world. How have skating clubs and organizations responded in the immediate aftermath?
Dr. emily Carter: The response has been immediate and heartfelt. Skating clubs across the nation, including the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club, the Washington Figure Skating Club, and the Skating club of Boston, have organized tributes and moments of silence. U.S. Figure Skating interim CEO Samuel Auxier expressed profound grief and emphasized the need to honor these individuals who were not just athletes but also cherished members of the global skating community.
The Emotional Toll on the Skating community
Senior Editor: This tragedy has taken a significant emotional toll on the skating community. What are some of the ways that skaters, coaches, and families are coping?
Dr. Emily Carter: The emotional impact is immense. For many, skating is not just a sport but a way of life. The loss of young talents like Angela Yang and sean kay, both just 11 years old, is especially heartbreaking. Coaches like Alexandr Kirsanov and Inna Volyanskaya, who dedicated their lives to nurturing these athletes, are also deeply missed. The community is coming together through memorial services, social media tributes, and support groups to help everyone navigate this unimaginable loss.
Honoring the Victims and Their Legacies
Senior Editor: In what ways is the skating community working to honor the victims and their legacies?
Dr. Emily Carter: Tributes are being planned nationwide, from local skating clubs to national organizations. The U.S. Figure Skating Federation has shared a poignant tribute video on social media, commemorating the lives lost. Additionally,many clubs are creating scholarships and memorial programs in honor of the victims. For example, the Skating Club of northern Virginia is establishing a scholarship in memory of Brielle Beyer and Cory Haynos, both of whom were members of the club. These initiatives ensure that the legacy of these young skaters and coaches will continue to inspire future generations.
The Resilience and Unity of the Skating World
Senior Editor: In the face of such a tragedy, how is the skating community demonstrating resilience and unity?
Dr.Emily carter: Despite the profound grief, the skating community is showing remarkable resilience. Skaters,coaches,and families are supporting each other,attending memorials,and sharing stories of the victims. The unity is evident in the collective mourning and the determination to honor the fallen. This tragedy has strengthened the bonds within the community, reminding everyone of the shared passion and dedication that defines figure skating. The legacy of these young athletes and coaches will undoubtedly inspire the skating world to move forward with strength and solidarity.
