Victims Killed in Washington Plane Crash Over Potomac River Ientified

Over 30 Bodies Recovered as Search and Recovery Operations Continue

A devastating aviation tragedy unfolded late Wednesday night when American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines, collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, sending both aircraft plummeting into the icy waters of the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Authorities have confirmed that there were no survivors among the passengers and crew aboard the regional jet or the military personnel on the helicopter.

The accident has claimed the lives of at least 30 individuals whose bodies have been recovered so far, with officials warning that the death toll is likely to rise as search and recovery operations continue. Among those on board the doomed flight were several members of the U.S. figure skating community, including young athletes, esteemed coaches, and their families. They were returning from the National Development Camp, which followed the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.

A Routine Flight Ends in Disaster

Flight 5342, a twin-engine Embraer E175, departed Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport on Wednesday evening, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The flight was on its final approach to Reagan National Airport when, according to preliminary reports, it was involved in a catastrophic mid-air collision with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter operated by the U.S. Army. The helicopter was conducting a routine training exercise when the collision occurred.

Air traffic control recordings suggest that the PSA Airlines jet had been given clearance for landing at Reagan when a distress call was suddenly issued. Moments later, radar contact was lost. Witnesses on the ground reported seeing a fireball in the sky before both aircraft tumbled into the frigid waters of the Potomac River.

Massive Rescue Operation Underway

Within minutes, emergency responders from the Washington D.C. Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Metropolitan Police Department rushed to the scene. However, with subzero temperatures and strong river currents, initial recovery efforts were hampered.

As of early Thursday morning, over 30 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage site. The remains of the aircraft are scattered across a large area of the river, with rescue divers working tirelessly under hazardous conditions to retrieve victims and locate the aircraft’s flight data recorders.

Authorities have confirmed that there are no survivors from either aircraft. At least 300 first responders, including divers and forensic specialists, have been deployed in the ongoing search for additional victims.

Figure Skating Community Devastated

Among those confirmed dead are several prominent figures from the world of figure skating. U.S. Figure Skating released a statement early Thursday morning confirming that a number of skaters, coaches, and family members had been aboard Flight 5342.

Identified Victims:

• Everly Livingston and Lydia Livingston – Talented figure skating sisters with promising futures in the sport.
• Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov – Former world champion pairs skaters from Russia and highly respected coaches.
• Spencer Lane – A rising U.S. figure skater known for his elegant performances.

These individuals were returning from a weeklong National Development Camp, where they had been training alongside other elite skaters and receiving mentorship from top-level coaches.

“We are heartbroken beyond words,” U.S. Figure Skating said in its statement. “This is an unimaginable loss for the entire skating community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all those lost in this tragic accident.”

Eyewitness Accounts Describe Mid-Air Collision

Several eyewitnesses on the ground recounted the terrifying moments before the aircraft crashed.

“I saw the jet descending, and then suddenly there was this huge explosion in the sky,” said Mark Reynolds, who had been near the river at the time. “Flames erupted, and both aircraft just spiraled downward. It was horrifying.”

Another witness, Carla Jenkins, described the aftermath.

“There was debris everywhere in the water. People started calling 911 immediately. We saw boats rushing in, but it was clear this was really bad.”

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the collision. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials have confirmed that both the jet and the military helicopter were operating within controlled airspace at the time of the crash. Investigators will be analyzing air traffic control communications, flight data recorders (black boxes), and radar logs to determine how the two aircraft ended up on a collision course.

The NTSB has indicated that a preliminary report on the crash will be released in the coming weeks, but a full investigation could take months.

Victims’ Families and Skating Community in Mourning

Families of the victims have begun gathering in Washington, D.C., as they await further information from authorities. American Airlines has activated its emergency response team to provide support and assistance to the families of those lost in the crash.

Tributes have been pouring in from the global figure skating community. Fellow skaters, coaches, and fans have taken to social media to express their grief and condolences.

Olympic gold medalist Nathan Chen shared on Twitter:

“This is absolutely heartbreaking. My deepest sympathies go out to the families of those we lost. Everly, Lydia, Spencer, and all the others—your impact on skating will never be forgotten.”

Russian figure skating legend Tatiana Totmianina also expressed her sorrow:

“Yevgenia and Vadim were not just champions; they were mentors and inspirations to so many. The skating world has lost two of its brightest lights.”

Memorial Services Planned

In honor of those lost, U.S. Figure Skating has announced plans to hold a national memorial service at the upcoming Four Continents Figure Skating Championships. A moment of silence will also be observed before all major international competitions in the coming months.

Locally, candlelight vigils have already begun in various cities where the victims trained and competed. Skating rinks across the country have dimmed their lights in remembrance of the lost athletes and coaches.

Conclusion

The tragic crash of Flight 5342 and the loss of so many lives, including members of the figure skating community, has left a profound impact on families, athletes, and fans alike. As investigators work to determine the cause of the disaster, loved ones and the skating world mourn those who perished in this devastating event.

The legacy of Everly and Lydia Livingston, Yevgenia Shishkova, Vadim Naumov, and Spencer Lane will live on in the hearts of those they inspired and in the sport they dedicated their lives to.