More than 40 bodies have been recovered from a Washington DC aircraft collision which wiped out entire family units, including a TikTok skating star, a famed athlete couple, and all four flight crew members.
The deaths of figure skaters Franco Aparicio and Olivia Eve Ter, 12, were confirmed on Friday, bringing the total number of confirmed skaters up to 11.
Many of them, including Spencer Lane, 16, and Alydia and Everly Livingston, 11 and 14, were traveling with their parents, who also perished after an American Airlines flight and an Army Black Hawk collided in Washington DC on Wednesday evening.
Famed Russian skating couple Evgenia Shishkova, 52, and Vadim Naumov, 56, alongside other coaches also tragically lost their lives in the crash over the Potomac River.
The bodies of all four flight crew members – including one who was mere months away from a promotion and wedding – were also recovered from the debris on Thursday.
Bodies of two of the three soldiers who were flying in the helicopter have also been recovered.
Two of the Black Hawk Crew – Ryan O’Hara, 28, and Andrew Eaves, 39 – were identified. A third and final crew member’s body was also recovered, but the Army did not release their name per the family’s request.
American Airlines Flight 5342 had been approaching Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night when the crash occurred, officials said.
Sixty-four people – 60 passengers and four crew – were onboard and all died, officials said. At least 41 bodies have been recovered, DC Fire Chief John Donnelly said.
Figure skater, Spencer Lane, 16, (middle back) alongside Russian couple Evgenia Shishkova, (middle front) 53, and Vadim Naumov, 56, (right) have been confirmed dead
‘We will work to find all the bodies and reunite them with their loved ones,’ he said at a Thursday press conference.
US Figure Skating has confirmed that several skaters, coaches and their family members were on board the flight, and had been returning home from the National Development Camp, which is held in conjunction with the national championships.
‘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 sport governing body said in a statement.
American figure skater John Maravilla, as reported by RIA Novosti, said: ‘I don’t want to name names, but there were around 14 figure skaters on the plane, not counting their parents and several coaches.’
CBS News reported that a dive team had recovered one of the two data recorders, the so-called black boxes, from the plane.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said both the helicopter and the airplane had been flying normal flight patterns. ‘This was not unusual,’ he said.
The Pentagon, Department of Defense, and the Army have launched investigations.
In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump questioned the actions of the helicopter crew and air traffic controllers on what he described as a clear night.
‘This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!,’ he wrote.
Below, DailyMail.com provides a full list of the confirmed victims aboard flight 5342. This is developing story, check back for updates.
Melissa Nicandri, 28
Melissa Nicandri, of New York City, had spent the weekend with her mother in New York before heading to Kansas on a business trip
Melissa Nicandri, of New York City, had spent the weekend with her mother in New York before heading to Kansas on a business trip, her father, Peter Nicandri, told News 4 Jax.
‘She’s just anything that anyone would want in a daughter. She was beautiful. Smart. Kind. Generous. Funny,’ he told the outlet.
‘She was a great sister. She was a great friend. She worked hard and had so much ahead of her.’
Peter learned of his daughter’s death through her boyfriend, who called him.
In a statement, NYC Mayor Eric Adams said: ‘Today, we learned that one of the 67 victims of the heartbreaking crash on Wednesday was a fellow New Yorker, Melissa Jane Nicandri.
‘At just 28 years old, her life was tragically cut short. My heart and my prayers go out to her loved ones.’
Chris Collins, 42
Chris Collins, of Stamford, worked with Nicandri at Mood’s Investors Service. He was a vice president senior analyst at the credit rating company.
‘The Moody’s family mourns the loss of two of our best, Chris Collins and Melissa Nicandri, who tragically lost their lives on American Airlines Flight 5342,’ the company said in a statement.
‘Chris and Melissa were cherished colleagues who embodied our values and enriched our lives with kindness and warmth.
‘They leave an immeasurable void in our community, and our hearts go out to their families, friends and colleagues, as well as all those grieving from this terrible tragedy.’
Collins is originally from Massachusetts and had previously worked as a social studies teacher in North Attleborough, according to the Cape Cod Chronicle.
Lindsey Fields
Lindsey Fields, of Kansas, was a biology teacher and president-elect of the National Association of Biology Teachers
Lindsey Fields, of Kansas, was a biology teacher and president-elect of the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), according to CNN.
She was traveling to DC to represent the NABT, the organization said.
‘This is a tremendous loss,’ it said.
Fields was the chair of the biology department at Butler Community College. She taught biology, anatomy, and physiology, the school website said.
She enjoyed fishing, spending time with her family and Great Danes, cooking, reading, and hiking.
Steve Johnson
Steve Johnson and six of his friends were heading back from a Kansas hunting trip when they died
He and three others were apart of the UA Steamfiters Local 602 union in Prince George’s County
Steve Johnson and six of his friends were heading back from a Kansas hunting trip when they died.
He and three others were apart of the UA Steamfiters Local 602 union in Prince George’s County.
‘It’s a real loss and it’s gonna be tough, especially with their younger families,’ friend Megan Davey told 7 News. ‘It’s something that you just don’t expect to hear coming out of a town in southern Maryland.’
The union also released a statement, writing: ‘These members will be forever in our hearts, and may God bless them and their loved ones. May they forever rest in peace.’
It is unclear who the other three members are.
Franco and Luciano Aparicio
Franco Aparicio and his father Luciano were confirmed dead by Franco’s sister Isabella Aparicio (pictured with Franco)
‘You had a bright future ahead of you and your loving kind-hearted soul impacted so many people. Fly high,’ she wrote
Luciano Aparicio (pictured with a young Isabella) was flying home with his son
Franco Aparicio and his father Luciano were confirmed dead by Franco’s sister Isabella Aparicio, who posted a tribute to him, writing: ‘Best brother ever. You’ve been taken too soon, sweet boy.
‘You had a bright future ahead of you and your loving kind-hearted soul impacted so many people. Fly high.’
She also wrote a tribute to her father, saying: ‘Thank you dad for your endless support and for always believing in me, always putting others before yourself. Love and miss you always.’
She also posted a photo of them in skating costumes, both smiling brightly.
Franco and Isabella’s coach, Inna Volyanskaya, also died on the plane.
Eddie Zhou
Eddie’s father, Edward, confirmed his son was on the flight to DC (pictured: Eddie in the middle)
Eddie Zhou and his parents, Kaiyan Mao and Yu Zhou, of Virginia, were all on the flight.
They were known for being inseparable, NYT reported.
Eddie was skating partners with Cory Haynos, who also perished on the flight.
Olivia Eve Ter, 12, and Olesya
Olivia Eve Ter, of Maryland, and her mother Olesya were among the many skaters that were tragically lost their lives on Monday
Olivia belonged to the Tucker Road Ice Rink in Prince George’s County
Olivia Eve Ter, of Maryland, and her mother Olesya were among the many skaters that were tragically lost their lives on Monday.
Olivia belonged to the Tucker Road Ice Rink in Prince George’s County.
‘The impact of Olivia’s life will continue to resonate in our youth sports community, and she will be sorely missed,’ Bill Tyler, Director of the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation told WMAR 2.
‘Olivia not only excelled in figure skating programs, but inspired others through her talent, determination and sportsmanship. Her passion for the sport and positive influence on her peers and coaches will not be forgotten.’
Pergentino N. Malabed, 51
Pergentino N. Malabed was a colonel for the Philippine National Police (PNP), who confirmed his death on Friday. He was the chief of the supply management division
He was on ‘official travel’ at the time of his death. Malabed had originally traveled to India to inspect 2,675 bulletproof vest. Afterward, they brought five vests to the US for further testing. He was planning on visiting his brother before going home to his wife and kid
He leaves behind a wife and daughter. His wife is traveling to DC to identify his body
Pergentino N. Malabed was a colonel for the Philippine National Police (PNP), who confirmed his death on Friday. He was the chief of the supply management division.
He was on ‘official travel’ at the time of his death, the police said. He was in the US to inspect equipment the PNP was purchased from India, according to a local outlet.
Malabed had originally traveled to India to inspect 2,675 bulletproof vest. Afterward, they brought five vests to the US for further testing.
His passport was found by authorities.
Malabed had been traveling through DC on his way to South Carolina, where he was to visit his brother before returning to the Philippines on February 2, DYRI RMN Iloilo, a local radio station, reported.
PNP said Malabed was fully ‘dedicated’ to being a police officer and was ‘committed to the service of protecting and securing both the PNP and the nation.’
‘His untimely passing is a profound loss to the PNP, where he served with honor, integrity, and dedication throughout his career,’ it said in a statement.
‘As we grieve this tragic event, we also honor the dedication and sacrifice of PCOL Malabed. His contributions to the PNP and the nation will never be forgotten.
‘May he rest in peace.’
He leaves behind a wife and daughter. His wife is traveling to DC to identify his body.
Lori, 56, and Robert ‘Bob’ Schrock, 58
Lori and Bob Schrock, of Kiowa, Kansas, were flying from Wichita to Washington on Wednesday with plans of boarding a train to Villanova to visit their daughter after landing. The couple was traveling with their two cats
Grace Cantrell, a friend of their daughter Ellie’s who considered the couple like second parents, said they were feeling an ‘unreal feeling of numbness’ (pictured: Ellie with her parents)
‘All the things that her parents won’t be there for: Her wedding, her first boyfriend, her first kid, she’s planning on going to med school. If she becomes a doctor, they won’t get to see her achieve that,’ Cantrell said
Lori and Bob Schrock, of Kiowa, Kansas, were flying from Wichita to Washington on Wednesday with plans of boarding a train to Villanova to visit their daughter after landing, according to KSN.
The couple was traveling with their two cats.
Both were active in their faith and known for their generosity, their longtime friend, Michael Simpson, told KSN. Bob, who is a farmer, had recently donated to a ministry that acted as an alternative to foster care in their hometown.
‘A good man, good family,’ Simpson said.
Grace Cantrell, a friend of their daughter Ellie’s who considered the couple like second parents, said they were feeling an ‘unreal feeling of numbness.’
‘All the things that her parents won’t be there for: Her wedding, her first boyfriend, her first kid, she’s planning on going to med school. If she becomes a doctor, they won’t get to see her achieve that,’ Cantrell told the outlet.
Vikesh Patel
Vikesh Patel was an MRO Transformation Leader at GE Aerospace
Vikesh Patel was an MRO Transformation Leader at GE Aerospace, a role he had been in for nearly a year, according to his LinkedIn.
He has worked for the company for nearly 12 years and had previously worked for GE Aviation.
He started at the company after graduating for the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where he received a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While working, he also received a Masters degree in Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management from Penn State University.
GE released a statement regarding Patel’s death, writing on X: ‘This is a tragedy not only for our industry, but also for the GE Aerospace team as one of our cherished colleagues was onboard the flight.
‘Our hearts are with all the families impacted by this horrific accident,’ Larry Culp, the CEO of GE Aerospace, said.
Brielle Beyer, 12, and Justyna Magdalena, 42
A devastated husband and father has revealed his wife Justyna and 12-year-old daughter Brielle were on board the tragic flight
Devastated husband and father Andy Beyer revealed his wife Justyna and 12-year-old daughter Brielle were on board the tragic flight.
Speaking to ABC, he said: ‘We couldn’t get text messages through… and I knew.’
Brielle miraculously fought off cancer at just four months old, and it was her lifelong dream to make the national skating team.
‘She was such a fighter in everything she did … making that team was one of her life goals, and she achieved it,’ he said.
Andrew Eaves, 39 – Black Hawk Pilot
Chief Warrant Officer 2, Andrew Eaves has been identified as the pilot on board the Black Hawk Army helicopter
Chief Warrant Officer 2, Andrew Eaves has been identified as the pilot on board the Black Hawk Army helicopter.
The beloved husband and father-of-two was one of three soldiers aboard the aircraft conducting a training operation.
His devastated wife, Carrie, said: ‘I am sure by now all of you have heard the news of the tragedy that has occurred in DC.
‘My husband was one of the pilots in the Blackhawk. We ask that you pray for our family and friends and for all the other families that are suffering today. We ask for peace while we grieve.’
She has shared several photos of Eaves, one of which he was in uniform, and asked her friends to share photos they may have of him in his memory.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed his death on Thursday night, taking to X to write: ‘Mississippi is mourning the loss of Brooksville native Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves, who was killed in last night’s accident at Reagan National Airport.’
Kiah Duggins, 30
Kiah Duggins had been visiting her mom in her hometown of Wichita but was returning to Washington DC, where she worked for Civil Rights Corps
She had earned a degree from Harvard Law School and served as a White House intern under former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let Girls Learn initiative
A former beauty pagaent contestant and civil rights attorney has been named among the casualties.
Kiah Duggins had been visiting her mom in her hometown of Wichita but was returning to Washington DC, where she worked for Civil Rights Corps.
She had earned a degree from Harvard Law School and served as a White House intern under former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let Girls Learn initiative.
It is with heavy heart that the Miss Augusta and Miss Butler County organization just learned that Kiah Duggins Miss Butler County 2014, 2015 was [among] passengers in the plane that crashed last evening in Washington DC,’ former pageant director, Larry Strong, revealed.
‘Keep the rest of the family in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Kiah was top 10 finalist in 2014 and 2015 at the Miss Kansas Pageant. Kiah was preparing to be a law professor at Howard University in the fall.’
Grace Maxwell, 20
Grace Maxwell, a 20-year-old biomedical engineering student at Cedarville University in Ohio, was on the doomed flight returning back to school
Grace Maxwell, a 20-year-old biomedical engineering student at Cedarville University in Ohio, was on the doomed flight returning back to school.
She had reportedly been in Kansas to attend her grandfather’s funeral, The Wichita Eagle reports.
Her father told the publication that she ‘was on the plane’, but that he’d not yet heard from authorities regarding any further details.
Sarah Lee Best, 33 and Elizabeth Keys, also 33
Vanderbilt University and Penn Law graduate Sarah Lee Best (left) was tragically killed on the flight, returning home after conducting a deposition with her colleague, Elizabeth Keys (right)
Keys was tragically celebrating her birthday on the day of her death
Vanderbilt University and Penn Law graduate Sarah Lee Best was tragically killed on the flight, returning home after conducting a deposition with her colleague, Elizabeth Keys.
Keys was tragically celebrating her birthday on the day of her death.
The duo worked together at Wilkinson Stekloff litigation in the Washington DC office.
Founder Beth Wilkinson said: ‘We are heartbroken by this terrible tragedy. Liz and Sarah were cherished members of our firm – wonderful attorneys, colleagues, and friends.
‘Beyond being an excellent lawyer, Liz brought fearlessness, humor, and sharp wit to work every day, no matter the setting or circumstances.
‘Sarah joined us just last fall and quickly energized us all with her boundless curiosity, kindness, and intelligence.
‘It is hard to imagine the firm without them. We are keeping them in our memories and their families in our thoughts and prayers.’
Roger, Stephanie and Cory Haynos, 16
Married couple Roger and Stephanie Haynos were on board the flight alongside their son, as part of a team of skaters returning home from the US Ice Skating Championships
Cory has been remembered as ‘an amazing skater with a very bright future with the US Skating Team’
Married couple Roger and Stephanie Haynos were on board the flight alongside their son, as part of a team of skaters returning home from the US Ice Skating Championships.
Their son, Cory, has been remembered as ‘an amazing skater with a very bright future with the US Skating Team.’
Roger’s cousin Matthew LaRaviere said he was training for a future Olympics.
‘We all were expecting Cory to represent our country in the US Olympics in the future,’ he said in a tribute post to Facebook.
‘My heart is broken tonight at the loss of my cousin Roger Haynos, his wife Stephanie Branton Haynos, and their son Cory. They were killed in the plane crash last night near Washington DC.
‘While Roger, Stephanie, and Cory’s plane did not land safely back on this earth, their flight no doubt continued on into the arms of a loving Saviour ready to welcome them home.’
LaRaviere has called for prayers from the community for their surviving daughter, Emily, who was not on board the flight, as well as the extended family.
‘Roger has always inspired me by his absolute love for his family and dedication to providing only the best for his wife and kids,’ he said.
Spencer, 16, and Christine Lane, 49
Lane and other figure skaters had been returning home from the National Development Camp, which is held in conjunction with the national championships
His mother, Christine Lane, was confirmed dead, by The Skating Club of Boston
Spencer Lane uploaded the photo around 7pm ET Wednesday, which appeared to show the jet taxiing on the runway at Wichita Airport in Kansas before it took off for its final flight.
He captioned it ICT -> DCA – the codes for Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
His mother, Christine Lane, was confirmed dead, by The Skating Club of Boston.
Evgenia Shishkova, 52, and Vadim Naumov, 56
Shishkova and Vadim Naumov won the World Figure Skating Championship in pairs in 1994
Shishkova and Vadim Naumov won the World Figure Skating Championship in pairs in 1994.
The married couple was traveling back to DC on Flight 5342 after attending the US Figure Skating Championships in Kansas.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Shishkova and Naumov were aboard the plane.
‘Unfortunately, we see that this sad information is being confirmed,’ Peskov said.
‘There were other fellow citizens there. Bad news today from Washington. We are sorry and send condolences to the families and friends who lost those of our fellow citizens who died in the plane crash.’
When asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin planned to offer condolences to US President Donald Trump in a phone call, Peskov said there were no plans for high-level contacts for now.
Ludmila Velikova, who trianed the couple when they were children, called the loss devastating.
‘They were my favorite sports people,’ she told Reuters. ‘They were part of my first attempt at the world championship and became champions in 1994. They were talented and beautiful people.
‘Apart from anything else, they were my children.’
Shishkova started training with Veilkova at the age of 11 and Naumov at 14.
‘What’s happened is awful,’ she said from St. Petersburg. ‘The best people have been taken away from us.’
Veilkova confirmed the pair’s son, Maxim, did safely return to Boston.
Jinna, 13, and Jin Han, 49
Jinna Han (pictured front row in red) and her mother Jin were confirmed dead
‘Our sport and this Club have suffered a horrible loss with this tragedy,’ Doug Zeghibe, CEO and Executive Director of the club, said in a statement. ‘Everyone is like family… We are devastated and completely at a loss for word’
Skater Jinna Han and her mother Jin were confirmed dead by The Skating Club of Boston.
She was featured on the club’s TikTok page with fellow athlete Ela Cui doing exercises to practice their twirls without skates on.
‘Our sport and this Club have suffered a horrible loss with this tragedy,’ Doug Zeghibe, CEO and Executive Director of the club, said in a statement. ‘Everyone is like family… We are devastated and completely at a loss for word.’
Asra Hussain, 26
Asra Hussain messaged husband Hamaad Raza , 25, to say ‘We are landing in 20 minutes’ as American Eagle Flight 5342 approached Reagan National Airport jut before 8pm ET Wednesday night
Asra Hussain messaged husband Hamaad Raza, 25, to say ‘We are landing in 20 minutes’ as American Eagle Flight 5342 approached Reagan National Airport just before 8pm ET Wednesday night.
Tragically it was the last text Asra, 26, would ever send.
Her shaken husband of two years Hamza Raza, 25, said he had texted his wife a few replies, but that they’d never been received.
‘She texted me that they were landing in 20 minutes. The rest of my texts didn’t get delivered and that’s when I realized that something might be up,’ a distraught Hamaad said at the airport.
‘I’m just praying that somebody’s pulling her out of the river right now, as we speak. That’s all I can pray for, I’m just praying to God,’ he told WUSA9.
Samuel Lilley, 28 – First Officer
Newly-engaged Lilley, 29, was months away from being promoted to captain in a career that he adored, his father Timothy told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview
‘Samuel was in the prime of his life. He was engaged to a beautiful, wonderful girl and we were all excited about her joining the family,’ his father said
Newly-engaged Lilley, 29, was months away from being promoted to captain in a career that he adored, his father Timothy told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview.
‘Samuel was in the prime of his life. He was engaged to a beautiful, wonderful girl and we were all excited about her joining the family,’ he said.
Timothy, a former Army warrant officer who is now a private jet pilot, was at Teterboro Airport, New Jersey, when the crash happened – and is now in Washington.
But he initially had no idea his beloved son was one of the pilots who perished in the tragedy.
‘I saw the crash on the news. I didn’t think there was any way it was my son,’ he said. ‘But then I watched long enough to figure out it was my son’s airline and then I kind of know his schedule.
‘And so I called his fiancée, confirmed, like, hey was Sam in Wichita? Yes, he was, was he going to to DCA? Yes, he was. So then I had to tell her. It was just an ugly scene.’
Of his own reaction, he said: ‘You know what, I was OK for five, maybe 10 minutes. And then I bawled for 10 minutes. It’s a bitter, bitter pill to swallow.
And in a further terrible twist to the tragedy, Lilley Sr. revealed he, himself, is a former Army Black Hawk pilot and had flown in the exact same area where the disaster happened.
Jonathan Campos, 34 – Captain
Campos was born in New York but grew up in Florida
Campos was born in New York but grew up in Florida. He attended the Epic Flight Academy where he was certified as a flight instructor in 2017 and as a commercial airline pilot one year later, according to the company’s records.
His uncle Hector Campos told DailyMail.com that his nephew lived for the aviation business, telling DailyMail.com: ‘He loved it.’
Hector added: ‘We just confirmed the news. We are in complete shock.’
Campos of one of the four doomed flight crew members on the aircraft.
Danasia Elder and Ian Epstein, 53 – Flight Attendants
Danasia Elder was revealed to be one of the flight attendants on board the commercial plane
Ian Epstein was revealed to be one of the flight attendants on board the commercial plane
Danasia Elder and Ian Epstein was revealed to be the flight attendants on board the commercial plane.
‘RIP Danasia Brown,’ one friend wrote on Facebook, referring to her married name. ‘Never thought I would see those letters beside ya name.’
Ryan O’Hara, 28 – Black Hawk Crew
Ryan O’Hara from Georgia was on board the doomed helicopter when it plunged into the Potomac River on Wednesday night
Ryan O’Hara from Georgia was on board the doomed helicopter when it plunged into the Potomac River on Wednesday night.
He was one of three Army soldiers on an annual proficiency training flight and is one of the 67 lives lost in the deadliest US plane crash since 2009.
O’Hara left behind a wife and a one-year-old son, and was remembered fondly by his his school.
Michael Stovall, 40
Michael Stovall was returning home from a hunting trip in Kansas. Pictured with his wife Ashleigh
Michael Stovall was returning home from a hunting trip in Kansas, according to The New York Times.
‘It was a boys’ trip,’ his cousin, Shawna Slarb, told The Times. ‘They were there on a duck hunt.’
Stovall, who is from Maryland, was said to be flying with at least six of his friends, some of whom he’s known since childhood.
His mother Christina said that he was an amazing son and father.
‘Mikey did not have one enemy,’ she told WINK News. ‘He loved everybody. He’s the happiest person. He saw good in everybody, almost to a fault.’
Jesse Pitcher, 30
Pitcher (right) was on the same trip as Stovall. He was the owner of a plumbing business and was in the process of building a new home with his wife, Kylie, who he married just over a year ago
Pitcher was on the same trip as Stovall, The Times confirmed.
He was the owner of a plumbing business and was in the process of building a new home with his wife, Kylie, who he married just over a year ago, the outlet said.
‘He was just getting started with life,’ his father, Jameson Pitcher told The Times.
His friend, Brandon Turner, posted a tribute on Facebook, writing: ‘Boy oh boy what a ride it’s been! Such a shame it had to end so soon. Jesse J Pitcher you were without a doubt a true friend.
‘Always down for an adventure. You will always hold a special place in my heart always and forever. Until we meet again you will be on my mind. Here’s to your greatest adventure yet. I love you my friend.’
Inna Volyanskaya
Inna Volyanskaya, of Virginia, was a skating coach and her death was confirmed by her ex-husband Ross Lansel
She played Ariel on Disney on Ice’s performance of The Little Mermaid before becoming a coach in 2002
Inna Volyanskaya, of Virginia, was a skating coach and her death was confirmed by her ex-husband Ross Lansel.
She played Ariel on Disney on Ice’s performance of The Little Mermaid before becoming a coach in 2002, Lansel told NBC Washington.
‘Just knowing the impact she made to all the skaters and everyone just hurts my soul and just I wish all those kids that she taught, just my condolences and I wish them — all my prayers go out to them,’ he said.
Wendy Shaffer, 35
Wendy Shaffer was a mother-of-two to a Shields, three, and Bennett, one
‘She was a radiant soul, a devoted wife to Nathan, and an incredible mother to her two beautiful boys,’ a GoFundMe said
Wendy Shaffer was a mother-of-two to a Shields, three, and Bennett, one.
Her death was confirmed by her husband’s Nate’s friend Bill Melugin on X.
‘She was a radiant soul, a devoted wife to Nathan, and an incredible mother to her two beautiful boys,’ a GoFundMe said.
‘Her love, kindness, and unwavering spirit touched everyone who knew her, and her absence leaves a void that can never be filled.
‘She dedicated her life to creating a warm, loving home filled with laughter and care. Her boys were her greatest pride and joy, and she dreamed of watching them grow into the amazing individuals she knew they would become.’
Her husband, Nate, said he is still ‘waiting to wake up from this nightmare, but I fear this is the truth.’
‘Wendy was not just beautiful on the outside, but was a truly amazing woman through and through. She was the best wife, mother, and friend that anyone could ever hope for,’ he said though Melugin.
‘Her love, kindness, and strength touched everyone she met. We will miss you more than words can express, Wendy Jo. I love you endlessly! Rest in peace, my love.’
Alexandr Kirsanov, 46
Alexandr Kirsanov (pictured in an old photo) attended the Kansas event with his skaters, Sean Kay and Angela Yang, his wife, Natalia Gudin confirmed
Alexandr Kirsanov attended the Kansas event with his skaters, Sean Kay and Angela Yang, his wife, Natalia Gudin confirmed to Delaware Online.
The former skater’s body has not been recovered yet from the debris, his wife said.
Gudin said the couple always used American Airlines when flying to the competition and that she usually goes with her husband.
‘This time they go without me, and all of them are gone,’ she told the outlet.
Sean, 11, and Julia Kay, 42
Sean Kay and his skating partner Angela Yang died on the American Airlines flight with their coach Alexandr Kirsanov (pictured L-R: Angela, Alexandr, Sean)
Sean Kay, of Delaware, was on the American Airlines flight, as well as his skating partner Angela Yang and coach Alexandr Kirsanov’s wife confirmed to Delaware Online.
The pair had won first place at the 2025 Midwestern Sectional US Ice Dance Final only two months ago.
His mother, Julia Kay, was also on the plane, her husband Vitali Kay told The Washington Post.
Sean was the oldest boy in the family with four children, who were all home-schooled.
Sean became interested in ice skating after his older sister took up the sport and he noticed cute girls participated, his father said.
The young boy had also recently picked up electric guitar as a hobby.
Angela Yang, 11, and Lily Yang
Angela Yang, who skating partner was Sean Kay, (pictured together) and her mother Lily Yang also died on Wednesday
Angela Yang, who skating partner was Sean Kay, and her mother Lily Yang also died on Wednesday.
She and Kay were undefeated in the juvenile ice dance category this season, according to The Skating Lesson.
Angela originally started out as a solo dancer.
She is survived by her father and two siblings.
Alydia, 11; Everly, 14; Donna, 48; and Peter Livingston, 48
The sisters, 14 and 11, were members of the Washington Figure Skating Club and frequently shared images of their routines on their social media page
The sisters were on board the American Airlines flight with their parents, Peter and Donna Livingston
Sisters Alydia and Everly Livingston had both been on the plane when it went down, according to the Skating Club of Boston.
Their parents, Donna and Peter Livingston, of Ashburn, Virginia, also perished on the flight.
‘The Livingstons were just – they were just a big personality family. They were loving, they were thoughtful,’ family friend, Kim Urban, told CNN. ‘Donna and Peter were extraordinarily supportive parents. They were loving parents. They were doing anything for their children.
‘Alydia and Everly were, like, bright children, very talented skaters and super bubbly.’
The sisters, 11 and 14, were members of the Washington Figure Skating Club and frequently shared images of their routines on their social media page.
In a final post, shared just a few days before the horrific crash, the two could be seen at the US Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
The caption on the picture of the two reads: ‘If you look closely at Alydia’s badge. We were born ready for this but is ready for this much Livingston at Nationals?’
In another post to Instagram shared by Everly’s coach, the young skater was praised for her hard work alongside her partner Franco Aparicio.
Her coach Inna Volyanskaya said: ‘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!’
Casey Crafton
Father-of-three Casey Crafton (pictured with his wife Rachel) has been named as one of the victims of Wednesday night’s crash
Father-of-three Casey Crafton has been named as one of the victims of Wednesday night’s crash.
Casey leaves behind his wife and three sons, and is said to have been an active member of the community where he lived in Salem, Connecticut.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont paid tribute to him on X, writing: ‘Salem has lost a dedicated father, husband, and community member. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.’
Tributes also came in from Montville Soccer Club, where Casey volunteered. The club said he was a ‘valued volunteer’ who ‘helped to enrich the lives of all those that he came in contact with.
Salem Little League also shared a statement, saying that ‘our small town is heartbroken by a devastating tragedy involving one of our beloved Little League members.’
‘The Crafton family, deeply involved in all things Salem, has suffered an unimaginable loss,’ their statement added.
‘With heavy hearts, we share the news that Casey Crafton tragically passed away in the horrific airline crash in Washington DC. Please keep his family close to your hearts and in your prayers during this difficult time.’
