Athletes send condolences in wake of D.C. plane crash

Emergency response units search the Potomac River at the crash site of an American Airlines plane and Black Hawk helicopter on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

U.S. Olympians, athletes send condolences in wake of Potomac River plane crash

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Jan 31, 2025 12:42 AM ET

Former Team USA Olympians and other athletes are posting their condolences online Thursday for the victims of a tragic mid-air crash over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. late Wednesday night.

An American Airlines flight collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter as the plane was moments from landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport. Both tumbled into the freezing Potomac River below and authorities believe all 67 people onboard have perished as dozens of bodies are still being recovered from the water.

Sending thoughts and prayers for the people and families affected by the plane/helicopter crash over the Potomac.
— TJ Oshie (@TJOshie77) January 30, 2025

Prayers up for everyone involved in the plane crash at DCA
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 30, 2025

The investigation over why the crash occurred is still ongoing but the identities of some of the victims have been revealed.

U.S. Figure Skating released a statement overnight confirming "several members" were onboard the flight returning from U.S. Championships in Wichita, Kansas over the weekend. The International Skating Union also joined USFS in mourning the loss of members from their "close-knit family."

Among those members were children, their parents and coaches from multiple East Coast skating clubs, according to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). 1994 world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were also among the victims onboard.

Multiple former U.S. Olympic figure skating legends posted their condolences on X, sending prayers to the families of those affected.

My heart breaks for my skating family today and my thoughts and prayers go out to all those impacted by this horrible tragedy.

At a loss for words for my friends, Evgenia Shishkova & Vadim Naumov and their son Maxim.
— Brian Boitano (@BrianBoitano) January 30, 2025

The events that took place last night in Washington, DC are absolutely devastating.

I'm being told that several professional figure skaters were aboard the flight as well.

Sending my love and prayers to all the victims and their families.
— Tonya Harding (@itstonyaharding) January 30, 2025

There are no words.
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!
— Scott Hamilton (@ScottHamilton84) January 30, 2025

2024 world champion Ilia Malinin wrote he was "heartbroken" to learn of the "tragic loss of my fellow skaters" in a message on his Instagram story on Thursday.

"My heart goes out to the entire figure skating community after the tragic and devastating loss," Olympic champion alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin wrote on her social media. She was joined by several other past and current Olympians.

"My heart is broken for our skating community," 1998 figure skating gold medalist Tara Lipinski wrote on Instagram.

"I can't put into words what this feeling is - I'm horrified, heartbroken, devastated and shocked," 2014 bronze medalist Ashley Wagner wrote.

More messages of grieving are expected as updates about the tragedy are released by authorities.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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