DC Plane Crash: Sports Figures, Teams React to Tragedy That Rocked Figure Skating

The sports world reacted with shock and sadness to the news that 67 people — including several prominent figure skaters, coaches and their families — died when an airplane collided with a helicopter above Washington D.C. on Wednesday.

More news: Figure Skaters, Coaches Identified as DC Plane Crash Victims

“I just, I feel for the athletes, the skaters, and their families but anyone who was on that plane, not just the skaters, because it’s such a tragic event,” former U.S. figure skating champion Nancy Kerrigan said Thursday. “When you find out you know some of the people on the plane, it’s even a bigger blow.”

The news hit close to home for Kerrigan, an alumna of the Skating Club of Boston. Several youth skaters and coaches from the club who were flying home from a National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas were among those who died in the crash.

Teams and athletes farther removed from the figure skating world took to social media Thursday to express words of sorrow and sympathy.

“Cookie and I are praying for the families and friends of the 64 passengers on the American Airlines passenger flight and the 3 aboard the Black Hawk who lost their lives in the devastating plane crash in Washington D.C.,” basketball Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Magic Johnson wrote on Twitter/X. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. 🙏🏾”

“Our hearts are with all of those impacted by the unimaginable tragedy of the Flight 5342 collision,” the Boston Red Sox wrote on Twitter/X. “We mourn all the lives lost including those in the Skating Club of Boston family – individuals who inspired, competed, and brought pride to our region. We extend our deepest condolences to those affected around the world and in our Boston community.”

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred last night in Washington, D.C.,” the Baltimore Orioles wrote on Twitter/X. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating event. We extend our gratitude to the first responders and officials working tirelessly at the scene.”

“All of us at the Washington Nationals are devastated by the tragic events that unfolded last night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport,” the Nationals wrote on Twitter/X. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones. We extend our deepest gratitude to the heroic first responders who aided in the rescue and recovery mission.”

Naturally, those within the figure skating community reacted strongly as well.

“There are no words,” Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton wrote on Twitter/X. “Nothing that can truly represent the devastation caused by the plane crash in Washington DC last night. A tragedy that claimed the lives of skaters, coaches, parents and officials. My heart is shattered for our skating community. Please pray for the families!”

“As we come on the air for the European Figure Skating Championships, we are all hurting today,” former U.S. figure skating champion Johnny Weir said in his introductory marks on the E! broadcast Thursday. “We were absolutely heartbroken by the news that several members of our skating community were among those lost in the tragic plane crash in Washington D.C. last night.”

Former Olympic gold medal-winning skater Tara Lipinski, who is broadcasting the European championships alongside Weir, was audibly distraught as she followed Weir’s remarks with her own.

“My heart is completely broken for our skating community, their families and loved ones,” Lipinski said. “My heart is with all the families affected and that’s the part I have no words for. It will not do it justice. It is so widespread throughout our skating community, and we are such a close-knit family. And I know our skating community will never be the same, but we will always remember them.”

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