A plane crash in Washington, D.C. has resulted in the loss of numerous lives, including a talented young ice skating duo and their coach. Angela Yang and Sean Kay, members of The University of Delaware Figure Skating Club, were among the victims of the tragic accident.
The duo had just returned from the US Figure Skating Championships and National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas, where they had spent time honing their skills and competing against other top young skaters.
Yang had shared several excited posts on social media about her experience at the camp, saying, “I had so so much fun at camp!!! I’m really gonna miss my friends and all the great coaches! I can’t wait for next year!”
“It was a lot of fun watching all the skaters at Kansas! I had a lot of fun sitting with my friends and watching amazing skaters! I wish I could watch it all over again!”
Yang and Kay had achieved significant success in their young careers, winning first place in several categories at the 2025 Midwestern Sectional Singles & U.S. Ice Dance in Plano, Texas, in November. Their coach, Alexandr Kirsanov, also lost his life in the crash.
US Figure Skating released a statement expressing their devastation at the loss of life, saying, “We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.” The organization confirmed that several skaters, coaches, and family members had been on board the flight, returning home from the National Development Camp.
The plane crash, which involved an American Airlines plane and a Blackhawk helicopter, resulted in the presumed deaths of 60 passengers, four crew members, and three soldiers. Officials reported that flight conditions were clear at the time of the collision, which occurred as the plane was making a routine landing.
