A U.S. Figure Skating National Development Camp trip ended in tragedy when the plane they were in collided with a helicopter near Washington, D.C. on January 29, 2025.
Among the lives tragically lost was 13-year-old figure skating prodigy Jinna Han, alongside her devoted mother, Jin Han. They were traveling with fellow skaters, coaches, and parents from The Skating Club of Boston, a vibrant community now shattered by heartbreak.
Jinna’s passion for the ice was unmatched—her grace, determination, and talent had already set her on a promising path in the competitive skating world. By her side, Jin was not just a mother but her unwavering supporter, cheering her on through every jump and spin.
Their loss, along with the beloved members of the skating community, has sent shockwaves through the sports world, leaving teammates, friends, and loved ones mourning the dreams that were so suddenly cut short.

The flight was returning from Wichita, Kansas, after the event following the U.S. Championships, a journey that was meant to mark the end of an exciting chapter. Instead, it became the scene of a heartbreaking tragedy. In the aftermath, authorities swiftly launched an extensive search and recovery operation, mobilizing all available resources to locate the wreckage and recover the victims from the Potomac River. The efforts, driven by both urgency and compassion, continue as families and the community await answers and seek solace amid the unimaginable loss.

The Skating Club of Boston has confirmed the identities of its members aboard the ill-fated flight. Doug Zeghibe, CEO and Executive Director of the Club, expressed the profound sorrow of the community, stating, “Our sport and this Club have suffered a horrible loss with this tragedy.”
Jinna Han, a rising star in the competitive figure skating world, was known for her standout performances in major events, including her remarkable showing at the 2025 Eastern Sectional Singles Final in the novice women’s free skate category. Her talent, dedication, and grace on the ice had made her a beloved figure within the skating community, and her untimely passing leaves a deep and lasting void.

Jinna Han was widely admired for her exceptional technical skills, poise, and captivating stage presence. Her performances were a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport. In 2023, she earned high praise for her standout routines in The Skating Club of Boston’s Ice Chips show, where she dazzled audiences with her talent and artistry. Jinna’s ability to combine precision with grace made her a rising star, and her loss is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of witnessing her journey.

Doug Zeghibe shared a heartfelt tribute to Jinna Han, reflecting on her remarkable talent and graceful demeanor. He described her as “in it to win it,” a fierce competitor who embodied both strength and kindness. “She was full of grace, a serious competitor but so nice about it and so supportive of her fellow competitors… just a delight. For a little 13-year-old, she was just full of grace.” Her spirit, both on and off the ice, left an indelible mark on those who knew her, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of her teammates and the skating community.

Journalist and skating enthusiast Kat Cornetta expressed her sorrow over the devastating loss, posting on X, “I am saddened by the loss of everyone on that DC flight, but especially so by the loss of Jinna Han. She was a remarkable skater.”
Kat also took a moment to reflect on a past write-up where she had praised Jinna’s talent and unwavering dedication to the sport. In her tribute, Kat had highlighted Jinna’s potential, noting her commitment to perfecting her craft and her ability to shine in every performance. Jinna’s legacy, both as a skater and as an individual, has left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of watching her rise.
A Facebook user, who identified her daughter London as a friend of Jinna Han, shared a heartfelt post: “London and her friend Jinna Han, a shining star lost in the plane crash, will continue to inspire us. London is grieving! Just completely devastated!” The bond between the two young skaters was clearly deep, and London’s loss reflects the sorrow felt by many within the skating community.
Before the flight’s departure, The Skating Club of Boston had posted an encouraging message on Instagram: “Good luck to our Club athletes that are set to compete at the 2025 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships and 2025 U.S. High Performance Development Camp next week in Wichita, Kansas. We are so proud of you, and we can’t wait to cheer you on!”
Authorities have confirmed that there were no survivors, and the search and recovery operation continued overnight with all available resources. In a statement, the president commented on the tragedy, saying, “We are in mourning, this has really shaken a lot of people,” before noting that “the work has now shifted to a recovery mission. Sadly, there are no survivors.” The heartbreak of the loss reverberated through the skating community and beyond, leaving many to process the devastating impact of this tragedy.

The Skating Club of Boston, one of the oldest and most prestigious figure skating clubs in the U.S., has been a cornerstone of the sport for over 100 years. With a legacy of producing more than 145 national champions and multiple Olympians, the Club’s new state-of-the-art facility in Norwood, MA, continues to nurture the next generation of top-tier skaters. Tragically, the crash took the lives of promising young athletes, experienced coaches, and devoted parents, leaving a profound void in the skating community.
Among those lost was 13-year-old Jinna Han, whose talent and potential were widely recognized. She was considered an emerging star in the sport, with a bright future ahead of her. Her loss, alongside the other members of this close-knit community, has left families, friends, and colleagues heartbroken. Also aboard the plane were a couple of skating trainers, former world champions, whose contributions to the sport and to their students had been invaluable.
The plane was en route to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it tragically collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter, marking the beginning of a devastating chapter in the history of both aviation and figure skating. The community mourns the loss of these bright and inspiring individuals whose legacies will continue to resonate.

On the night of Wednesday, January 29, tragedy struck as a helicopter, carrying three military personnel, and a plane, with 60 passengers and four crew members, collided midair. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, resulting in an unimaginable loss.
US Figure Skating confirmed that the athletes, coaches, and family members aboard the flight were returning home from the National Development Camp, which had taken place alongside the US Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. The loss of these talented individuals, who had traveled to further their careers and support the sport they loved, has deeply shaken the figure skating community. Their dedication to the sport and their families will be remembered as their legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew them.

The governing body of US Figure Skating also revealed that among those on board were Russian-born ice skating coaches and former world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who were traveling with the group of young skaters.
The married couple had lived in the United States since at least 1998, where they devoted their lives to training the next generation of figure skaters. Shishkova and Naumov gained global recognition when they won the pairs figure skating world championship in 1994, cementing their place in the sport’s history. Their contributions to figure skating, both as athletes and as mentors to countless skaters, were immense. Their tragic passing, alongside the other victims of the crash, is felt deeply by the entire figure skating community.

Ludmila Velikova, the coach who played a pivotal role in shaping Shishkova and Naumov’s careers from a young age, shared the heartbreaking news that 14 skaters and trainers were among those on the ill-fated flight. Speaking from St. Petersburg, Velikova expressed some relief that the couple’s son, Maxim, who had competed in Kansas, was not on the flight.
US Figure Skating, deeply shaken by the loss, has now entered a period of mourning. In a statement, they said, “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 skating community, both in the U.S. and abroad, grieves for the loss of these bright, dedicated individuals, whose passion and legacy will never be forgotten.

While officials have not yet disclosed the exact number of skaters or released the names of those aboard the plane, the US Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, had recently featured top athletes competing in singles, pairs, and ice dance. This year’s event showcased the best of the best, including all four 2024 US champions: Madison Chock and Evan Bates, Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn, and the dynamic pair of Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea.
The competition brought together talented skaters from across the country, and the tragic loss of these athletes, coaches, and their families has left the figure skating community in mourning. Their passion for the sport and dedication to their craft will continue to inspire, even as the community struggles to cope with the aftermath of this devastating accident.

Sports analyst Christine Brennan emphasized the importance of the National Development Camp as a crucial step in shaping the future of young skaters. She pointed out that many of the participants on the plane were considered to be strong contenders for major upcoming competitions, including the 2030 Olympic Games.
Among those aboard was Spencer Lane, who had worked tirelessly to earn a spot at the National Development Camp, a goal he had set for himself since he first learned about the program. Excited about the opportunity, Lane had shared a collage of photos and a video on Instagram, celebrating his achievement and expressing his excitement for the journey ahead. Tragically, what should have been a defining moment in his career has now turned into a heartbreaking loss.
Just hours before the crash, Lane posted an eerie image on his Instagram story—a photo taken from inside the plane. The photo, showing the aircraft’s wing, was taken moments before the flight took off from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport. The caption noted that he was en route to Ronald Reagan National Airport, unaware that this would be his final journey.

Authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of casualties resulting from the tragic mid-air collision between the passenger airliner and a military helicopter. However, they have indicated that the chances of survival are slim.
DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly reported that, as of now, twenty-seven bodies have been recovered from the passenger jet, with one additional recovery from the military helicopter. He further stated that, due to the circumstances, search efforts have transitioned into a recovery operation. The focus now is on retrieving the remaining bodies and providing closure to the families of the victims.