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In a heart-wrenching incident that has shaken the figure skating community, a midair collision between an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter in Washington, D.C., resulted in the loss of 67 lives, including prominent figures from the skating world.
This tragic event unfolded on January 30, 2025, as the American Airlines Flight 5342 was approaching Reagan Washington National Airport when it collided with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The collision has left families shattered and the skating community in deep mourning.
Impact on the figure skating community
The collision has particularly devastated the figure skating community, with several members among the victims. Natalya Gudin, the wife of Alexandr “Sasha” Kirsanov, one of the deceased, expressed her profound grief, stating, “I lost everything.
I lost my husband. I lost my students. I lost my friends.” Kirsanov, a respected figure skating coach, was traveling to a development camp in Wichita, Kansas, when the tragedy struck. His wife recounted their decision for him to attend the camp, a choice that now haunts her.
The University of Delaware, where Kirsanov previously coached, confirmed his involvement in the tragedy. University President Dennis Assanis released a statement mourning the loss of Kirsanov and other members of the skating community. He noted that the tight-knit nature of the figure skating world means that this loss is felt deeply by many.
The U.S. Figure Skating organization also acknowledged the impact of this tragedy on the community, highlighting the shared passion and dedication of those involved.
A community in mourning
As news of the collision spread, tributes poured in from across the figure skating community.
Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding described the loss as “absolutely devastating,” reflecting the sentiments of many who knew the victims. Kirsanov was not only a coach but a mentor to many young skaters, including two who were also lost in the crash. Sean Kay and Angela Yang, members of the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club, were on the flight with Kirsanov, pursuing their dreams of figure skating.
Senator Chris Coons of Delaware expressed his sorrow over the loss of the three Delawareans, emphasizing the tragedy of their untimely deaths. The impact of this incident extends beyond the immediate families of the victims; it resonates throughout the entire state, as communities come together to support one another in this time of grief.
Remembering the victims
Kirsanov’s daughter, Nicole, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, expressing her longing for her father and the love she wished she could convey one last time. The loss of such talented individuals has left a void that will be felt for years to come. Kirsanov was an eight-time national coach and a three-time international junior world coach, with nearly a decade of experience shaping the futures of young skaters.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones. As the figure skating community comes together to mourn, they also celebrate the lives and legacies of those lost in this heartbreaking incident. The resilience of this community will undoubtedly shine through as they navigate this difficult time, honoring the memories of their beloved friends and mentors.
