Figure skaters from the United States and Russia were among the 64 people onboard the commercial jet that collided midair with an Army helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River on Wednesday night outside Washington.
U.S. Figure Skating, the American governing body for the sport, said the skaters were returning from a training camp for top juvenile, intermediate and novice skaters that follows the national figure skating championships, which were held in Wichita, Kansas, over the weekend. Russian figure skaters — as well as other Russian citizens — were among those on the plane, said the Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov.
“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” said the statement from Alex Schauffler, the communications director for U.S. Figure Skating. As of early Thursday morning, no fatalities had been confirmed.
Jon Maravilla, an American pairs figure skater, told RIA Novosti, a Russian state news agency, that there were “about 14 figure skaters on the plane, not counting their parents and coaches.”
“Such a tragedy,” Maravilla said, adding that he did not want to give their names. U.S. Figure Skating did not confirm the number of its members on board and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Russian state news agencies also reported that three former figure skaters from Russia were on the plane.
The U.S. national championships are held annually in different cities around the country. Leading up to the competition, skaters must compete in qualifying rounds at regional competitions. U.S. Figure Skating was founded in 1921 and is based in Colorado Springs. It comprises both amateur and professional skating clubs and has almost 900 member clubs.
“We are heartbroken to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends and coaches, are understood to be among those on board,” the International Skating Union said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. Figure skating is more than a sport — it’s a close-knit family — and we stand together.”
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
