A devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington D.C. has left the nation in shock.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Wednesday night, resulted in the loss of all 60 passengers and 4 crew members on board the plane, as well as 3 soldiers in the helicopter.
A Heartbreaking Loss for the Skating Community
Among the victims were 14 members of the US Figure Skating team, including 14-year-old Everly Livingston and her 11-year-old sister Alydia.
The young athletes, known as the “Ice Skating Sisters,” were returning from the US Figure Skating Championships when the crash occurred.
Just a year ago, Everly had spoken about her dreams of representing Team USA, saying “My goals are to actually be a part of Team USA and travel around the world.”
Her words now serve as a poignant reminder of her lost potential.
The sisters were well-known in the figure skating community for their talent and dedication to the sport. They had been attending the National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas, and were returning home when tragedy struck.
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Their final Instagram post, shared just five days before their deaths, showed them smiling in front of the ice rink at the championships, with a caption that read “If you look closely at Alydia’s badge… We were born ready for this.
But is @usfigureskating ready for this much Livingston at Nationals?”
Tributes Pour in for the Victims
Everly’s coach, Inna Volyanskaya, shared a heartfelt tribute to the teen’s dedication to figure skating, just hours before the collision.
“Congratulations on Everly and Franco for making it to the national development camp for their second year! So proud of all their hard work and training they have done to get here.
What an amazing way to start off the year!” she posted on Instagram.
The fatal collision occurred while the Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet was preparing to land at Reagan National Airport.
The plane collided with the Black Hawk helicopter 400 feet above the Potomac River, tragically killing everyone on board.
The incident has left the nation in mourning, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.
A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten
In their last moments, the sisters were filled with hope and excitement for their future in skating, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Their dedication to the sport and their passion for life will continue to inspire others, and their memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew them.