WICHITA, Kan. — The devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., has left communities across the nation in mourning. Among the 64 victims were teen figure skaters returning from a national competition, their coaches, a group of hunters, college students, and international travelers. Officials confirmed there were no survivors.
The crash occurred late Wednesday as the American Airlines flight, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with the Black Hawk helicopter, which had three soldiers on board. As search and recovery efforts continued Thursday, stories of the victims began to emerge, painting a heartbreaking picture of lives cut tragically short.
Young Skaters and Their Coaches
The Skating Club of Boston confirmed that two of its young skaters, Jinna Han, 13, and Spencer Lane, 16, were among those killed. Their mothers, Jin Han and Christine Lane, as well as their coaches, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, also perished in the crash. The group was returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
Spencer Lane, a rising star in the figure skating world, had recently participated in his first professional show with Joy Skate Productions. “He started to discover this connection with the audience and that joy that he was giving to other people through his gift,” said Elin Schran, founder of Joy Skate Productions.
Jinna Han was remembered as a talented and mature competitor. “We watched Jinna just grow up here from just a tiny little tyke into this amazingly mature 13-year-old,” said Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Skating Club of Boston. “A great performer, a great competitor, and off the ice, a great kid.”
Their coaches, Shishkova and Naumov, were celebrated figures in the skating world. The Russian-born pair had won the pairs title at the 1994 World Championships and competed in two Olympic Games.
College Student Returning to Campus
Grace Maxwell, a junior at Cedarville University in Ohio, was also among the victims. The mechanical engineering major was returning to campus after attending her grandfather’s funeral in Wichita. Maxwell had been working on a project to create a hand-stabilizing device to help a local boy feed himself independently.
“Grace was a quiet person with a keen interest in helping others through engineering,” said Tim Norman, her secondary advisor at Cedarville.
Students and Parents from Virginia
Three students from Fairfax County, Virginia, and six parents from the district were also on the flight. Superintendent Michelle Reid confirmed the deaths in a letter to families, describing the loss as “heartbreaking.” Two of the parents were current or former staff members of the school district.
International Victims
The crash also claimed the lives of international travelers, including two Chinese nationals and Philippine Police Col. Pergentino Malabed Jr. Malabed, who headed the supply management division of the Philippine National Police, was in the U.S. to inspect equipment for the country’s police force.
“His untimely passing is a profound loss to the Philippine National Police, where he served with honor, integrity, and dedication throughout his career,” said police spokesperson Col. Randulf Tuaño.
The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. confirmed the deaths of two Chinese citizens and requested that American authorities provide updates on the investigation.
Group of Hunters
A group of hunters returning from a guided trip in Kansas were also among the victims. Details about their identities have not yet been released, but their deaths have added to the widespread grief felt by communities across the country.
Community Vigils and Support
In Wichita, faith leaders held a vigil Thursday to honor the victims. “The only way we will get through this is together,” said the Rev. Pamela Hughes Mason of St. Paul AME Church.
American Airlines has set up a hotline (1-800-679-8215) and support centers in Washington and Wichita for families seeking information about their loved ones.
Ongoing Investigation
As investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, the nation mourns the loss of so many lives. The tragedy has left families, friends, and communities grappling with the sudden and heartbreaking loss of their loved ones.
“This is a profound loss for so many,” said Doug Zeghibe of the Skating Club of Boston. “These young skaters, their families, and their coaches were part of our community, and their absence will be deeply felt.”
As the investigation continues, the stories of the victims serve as a reminder of the human toll of this tragedy and the lives that were tragically cut short.
