WASHINGTON, D.C. — Multiple sources close to the situation have confirmed that members of the U.S. Figure Skating National Development Team were among the passengers aboard PSA Airlines-operated American Eagle Flight 5342, which crashed into the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night.

The young athletes were returning from the National Development Camp (NDC) following the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. The team had been en route to Washington, D.C., for a scheduled training session and competition when tragedy struck.

While American Airlines has yet to release an official passenger manifest, early reports indicate that at least 11 young skaters from the NDC, along with their coaches and U.S. Figure Skating officials, were aboard the ill-fated flight from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington, D.C. (DCA). The Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet, identified by its registration number CRJ-700, was carrying 64 passengers, including families, business travelers, and crew members.

Midair Collision and Crash Details

According to FAA officials, Flight 5342 collided midair with a military helicopter before plummeting into the icy waters of the Potomac River at approximately 8:48 p.m. ET. Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the collision, but air traffic control recordings suggest the military aircraft may have been conducting an exercise when the commercial jet entered its path.

Eyewitnesses described a fiery explosion in the sky before the aircraft spiraled downward. “We heard a loud boom and saw what looked like a fireball,” said Mike Patterson, a Georgetown resident who was walking near the river at the time. “The plane broke apart before hitting the water.”

First responders arrived at the crash site within 10 minutes, launching a massive search and rescue operation involving over 300 emergency personnel. Divers and emergency teams have been navigating the wreckage, some reporting that victims were still trapped in their seats underwater.

Death Toll and Survivor Search

As of early Thursday morning, authorities have confirmed at least 19 fatalities, though officials warn that number may rise as recovery efforts continue. While some survivors have been rescued from the wreckage and transported to area hospitals, their identities have not yet been disclosed.

Among those desperately awaiting news is Hamaad Raza, whose wife, Laila Raza, was on board. “I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the Potomac River right now,” he said through tears. “I don’t know what else to do but wait and hope.”

U.S. Figure Skating released a statement expressing its heartbreak over the tragedy:

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families of those involved in this terrible accident. We are in direct communication with authorities and will provide updates as soon as we have confirmation on our athletes and coaching staff.”

Investigation and Airport Closure

The FAA and NTSB have launched a formal investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the crash. Meanwhile, D.C. Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department, and other agencies remain actively engaged in recovery efforts.

Aviation experts speculate that the collision may have been caused by a communication breakdown or navigational error. “This is an extremely rare occurrence in modern air travel,” said retired NTSB investigator Mark Delaney. “Commercial aircraft and military flights are heavily monitored. We need to understand how two aircraft ended up in the same airspace at that moment.”

Reagan National Airport remains closed, with a full ground stop in effect until at least 5 a.m. Thursday. Hundreds of flights have been canceled or rerouted as authorities assess the situation.

Families Await News

As authorities work to positively identify victims and notify next of kin, families and friends remain in agonizing uncertainty.

Journalist Bill Melugin shared on social media that a close friend’s wife was aboard the flight:

“She was a sweet girl whom I knew from my time working in North Carolina. They have two children, ages 3 and 1. Our friend group is with him for support, but the lack of information on survivors is excruciating.”

For many, the waiting has been unbearable. Inside the airport’s American Airlines customer service center, a makeshift waiting area has been set up for family members of those on board. Airline representatives, counselors, and chaplains have been providing support.

“I just want to know,” said Maria Gonzalez, whose cousin was traveling on the flight. “We don’t even know if they made it out.”

Government and Airline Response

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed the company’s grief and commitment to transparency, stating:

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. We are actively cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the accident and will continue to support the victims’ families during this difficult time.”

White House Press Secretary Emily Reynolds confirmed that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and is closely monitoring updates. “Our hearts go out to all those affected. Federal resources are fully deployed in the response efforts.”

The Air and Space Forces Association urged the public to avoid speculation, saying, “We ask that the public allow investigators to do their work and focus on supporting the families of those lost.”

The Path Forward

As rescue and recovery efforts continue, authorities remain hopeful that more survivors may still be found. The NTSB is expected to release preliminary findings within the next 48 hours, though a full investigation could take months.

Memorial services for the victims are already being planned in cities across the country. A vigil is set to take place at the U.S. Figure Skating Training Center in Colorado Springs, where many of the young athletes trained.

In the coming days, families, friends, and an entire community of figure skating enthusiasts will mourn the loss of bright, talented individuals who had their futures tragically cut short.

Further updates will be provided as investigators continue to assess the crash site and determine the full scope of this devastating tragedy.