Teenage figure skaters from Boston, their mothers, and two Russian-born former world champions were among the many passengers feared dead after an American Airlines flight collided with an Army helicopter over Washington, DC, on Wednesday night.
The identities of the 60 passengers and four crew members aboard began to emerge on Thursday, as authorities confirmed that there were no survivors from the fiery disaster, which was shaping up to be the deadliest commercial crash in the US in over two decades.
At least 14 members of the US Figure Skating team were on the flight, which crashed into the frigid Potomac River late Wednesday, according to officials.
Here’s what we know about the victims so far:
Spencer Lane and his mother Christine Lane
Spencer Lane, a rising star associated with the Skating Club of Boston, was among those on board the downed flight, as confirmed by the club’s CEO, Doug Zeghibe.
“Spencer, in the best way possible, was a crazy kid,” Zeghibe said. “Highly talented, has not been skating that long, and has been rocketing to the top of the sport. Very fun, very cerebral.”
Spencer, believed to be around 16 years old, shared a heartbreaking final photo of the plane’s right wing just moments before it took off on Wednesday evening. His mother, Christine, was also on the flight, as confirmed by the club.
Jinna Han and her mom Jin Han
Jinna Han, approximately 15 years old, was traveling with her mother, Jin Han. The Boston club confirmed that Jinna, another young skater, was also aboard the plane. Zeghibe, a member of the Boston club, described Jinna as “a wonderful kid,” a “great athlete and competitor,” and someone “loved by all.” Both Jinna and Spencer’s mothers were described as “dedicated” and “always making sacrifices” for their children.
Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov
The plane also carried their coaches, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, both of whom were born in Russia. The Boston club confirmed their presence on the flight. Shishkova and Naumov were married and had won the pairs title at the 1994 World Figure Skating Championships in Japan. They also competed in two Olympic Games. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, they relocated to the U.S. and coached many generations of young skaters in New England. Both were highly qualified sports instructors from St. Petersburg, Russia, with over 20 years of coaching experience. They also coached at the International Skating Center of Connecticut. Their son, Maxim Naumov, a competitive figure skater for the U.S., was not on the plane, as he had returned to Virginia after competing in the national championships.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov offered condolences after the crash, stating, “Unfortunately, we see that this sad information is being confirmed… There were other fellow citizens there. Bad news today from Washington. We are sorry and send condolences to the families and friends who lost those of our fellow citizens who died in the plane crash.”
Inna Volyanskaya
Inna Volyanskaya, another coach and former skater from the Soviet Union, was also among the victims. Volyanskaya had competed for the pre-1991 Soviet Union and more recently coached at the Ashburn Ice House in Virginia. The club’s general manager, Rob Lorenzen, mentioned that Volyanskaya had earned international success, winning gold, silver, and bronze medals in various competitions.
Sam Lilley
Sam Lilley, a 28-year-old first officer for American Airlines, was one of the pilots aboard the plane. His family confirmed his identity, and his father, Tim Lilley, shared a tribute on Facebook. He said, “I was so proud when Sam became a pilot… He was doing great in his career and his personal life. He was engaged to get married in the fall.” Tim Lilley, a veteran Army helicopter pilot, expressed how devastating it was to lose someone so loved.
Ryan O’Hara
Ryan O’Hara, a soldier who was part of a training flight on a Black Hawk helicopter, was another victim. O’Hara, originally from Georgia, left behind a wife and 1-year-old son. According to the Parkview High School JROTC, O’Hara was fondly remembered for his work fixing things around the gym and as an important member of the Rifle Team. O’Hara had graduated from Parkview High School in 2014 and had become an Army reserve officer.
Those confirmed deceased include: Spencer and Christine Lane, Grace Maxwell, Evgenia Shishkova, Vadim Naumov, Jinna and Jin Han, Asra Hussain, First Officer Samuel Lilley, Captain Jonathan Campos, Danasia Elder, and Ian Epstein, both of whom were flight attendants.
Black Hawk crew member Ryan O’Hara, 40-year-old Mark Stovall, 30-year-old Jesse Pitcher, 59-year-old Inna Volyanskaya, Wendy Shaffer, Alexandr Kirsanov, Sean Kay, and Angela Yang, as well as Everly and Alydia Livingston, Natalya Gudin, and another individual named Alexandr Kirsanov, were also among the victims.
Other victims include Kiah Duggins, Elizabeth Keys, Sarah Lee Best, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves, the Black Hawk pilot, 12-year-old Brielle Beyer, and 42-year-old Justyna Beyer.
This tragedy has left a deep and lasting impact on many individuals, with the loss felt across various communities.
Source: NY Post, aol.com