WASHINGTON, D.C. — A devastating aviation disaster has claimed the lives of multiple figure skaters, including sisters Everly Livingston and Lydia Livingston, after American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into the frigid waters of the Potomac River following a mid-air collision with a military helicopter. The crash occurred Wednesday night as the regional jet, operated by PSA Airlines, was making its approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Among the victims were renowned Russian figure skating coaches and former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, whose son, Maxim Naumov, a U.S. national competitor, was also feared to be on board. U.S. figure skater Spencer Lane was additionally identified as one of the deceased passengers, a tragic loss that has shaken the skating community worldwide.

A Routine Flight Turns into Catastrophe

American Eagle Flight 5342, an Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet carrying 64 passengers and four crew members, had departed from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), at approximately 6:15 p.m. CST, en route to Washington, D.C. The flight was carrying several members of the U.S. Figure Skating National Development Team, their coaches, and officials who were returning from the National Development Camp following the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

According to initial reports, the aircraft collided mid-air with a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, which was conducting a routine training exercise in restricted airspace over the Potomac River. The impact sent both aircraft plunging into the icy waters, just three miles from the airport’s runway.

Immediate Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts

Emergency calls flooded into 911 dispatch centers at 8:47 p.m., prompting an immediate response from D.C. Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, National Park Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Rescue teams arrived within minutes, launching boats and deploying divers into the river’s 37-degree Fahrenheit waters. However, the cold temperatures and strong currents significantly hampered search efforts.

D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly provided a grim update in the early hours of Thursday morning:

“We have recovered at least 18 bodies from the wreckage so far. Many of the victims were still seated in their original positions inside the submerged fuselage. We are working tirelessly to locate survivors, but the conditions remain treacherous.”

By dawn Thursday, only five survivors had been pulled from the river, some suffering from severe hypothermia. They were rushed to George Washington University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where they remain in critical condition.

Victims Identified: Prominent Figure Skaters Lost

Families and friends of passengers have begun receiving the heartbreaking news, with U.S. Figure Skating confirming the deaths of several athletes and coaches.

Skaters and Coaches Confirmed Deceased:

• Everly Livingston (15) and Lydia Livingston (17) – Rising U.S. figure skating stars, sisters who competed in pairs.
• Spencer Lane (19) – A promising U.S. singles skater who had just competed at the U.S. Championships.
• Yevgenia Shishkova (52) and Vadim Naumov (55) – Former Russian world champions and esteemed coaches.
• Inna Volyanskaya (45) – Russian skating coach and choreographer.
• Sean Kay (16), Angela Yang (17), Eddie Zhou (18) – Members of the U.S. Figure Skating National Development Team.

Other Passengers Feared Dead:

• Maxim Naumov (23) – U.S. singles skater and son of Shishkova and Naumov.
• Jinna Han (21), Franco Aparicio (20), Lydia Livingston (17) – Young skaters who competed internationally.

Grieving Families and a Community in Mourning

The Livingston family, who lost both Everly and Lydia in the crash, released a statement through their coach:

“Our hearts are shattered beyond words. Everly and Lydia were our world, and we cannot begin to process this tragedy.”

Spencer Lane’s final moments were eerily documented on social media, as he had posted an Instagram story from his seat on Flight 5342, captioned “One step closer to home.” His devastated family has asked for privacy.

Maxim Naumov’s fate remains uncertain, but Russian media outlets RIA Novosti and TASS report that he was likely on board. His parents’ deaths have already sent shockwaves through the figure skating world.

Investigation Underway: What Went Wrong?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation, with teams recovering the aircraft’s black boxes early Thursday morning. Investigators are working to determine why the PSA Airlines jet and the U.S. Army helicopter were in the same airspace.

“Mid-air collisions of this magnitude are rare,” said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy. “We will examine air traffic control records, flight data, and weather conditions to determine how this tragedy unfolded.”

Initial reports suggest that the Black Hawk helicopter was conducting a classified training operation and may have deviated from its assigned airspace. The FAA has yet to confirm these details.

Statements from American Airlines, U.S. Military, and Officials

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed condolences, stating:

“We are devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families affected. We are fully cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of this accident.”

The Pentagon also released a statement, acknowledging the loss of military personnel aboard the helicopter:

“We mourn the loss of our brave service members who perished in this tragic accident. An internal review is underway.”

Reagan National Airport Remains Closed

All operations at Reagan National Airport (DCA) were suspended following the crash, causing significant disruptions. The FAA announced that the airport will remain closed until at least Friday morning at 6:00 a.m., pending further developments.

A Tragedy That Will Not Be Forgotten

The figure skating world has been left reeling, as tributes pour in from Olympic champions, coaches, and fans. Former U.S. Olympic gold medalist Nathan Chen shared his heartbreak:

“The figure skating community is small, and this loss is unbearable. My thoughts go out to all the families grieving right now.”

With investigations ongoing and families mourning their loved ones, the full scope of this catastrophe is still unfolding. More updates are expected in the coming days as officials continue to piece together the final moments of American Airlines Flight 5342.