The search for answers continues after a heartbreaking mid-air collision over Washington, DC, on Wednesday night.
An American Airlines jet carrying 64 people slammed into a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter during a training mission, sending both crashing into the icy Potomac River.
There were no survivors—making it the deadliest U.S. airline disaster in over a decade.
Among those lost were young skating prodigies, a pilot who had just gotten engaged, flight attendants who made the skies feel like home, and a lawyer rushing back to celebrate her birthday. Their stories ended far too soon.
Here’s a look at the lives we lost.
A Community in Mourning: Teenage Skaters and Coaches Lost in the Crash
Skating clubs across the country are devastated, as 14 of the victims were returning from a prestigious U.S. Figure Skating development camp in Wichita, Kansas.
Many of them were rising stars, dedicating their lives to the sport, while others were seasoned coaches who had spent decades shaping young talent.
Vadim Naumov & Evgenia Shishkova
Married figure skating champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova were more than just coaches—they were legends in the sport.
The 1994 world pairs champions had been guiding young skaters in Boston since 2017.
Their loss leaves an immeasurable void in the skating world.
Spencer Lane & Christine Lane
Spencer Lane, 16, had only been skating for three years, but his father, Doug, said he was “unstoppable.” Inspired by Olympic skater Nathan Chen, Spencer threw himself into training with relentless passion.
His mother, Christine, 49, was his biggest supporter. A graphic designer and newly licensed real estate agent, she was known for her warmth and dedication—not just to Spencer, but to everyone who knew her.
Doug Lane, who had adopted Spencer from South Korea, said his son was a natural athlete. “Once he got interested in something, you couldn’t stop him.”
Jinna Han & Jin Han
Jinna Han, 13, was traveling home with her mother, Jin, after a week of intense training at the development camp.
The Massachusetts-based skater had big dreams, and those who knew her described her as bright, hardworking, and full of potential.
Brielle & Justyna Beyer
Brielle Beyer, 12, was a fighter in every sense of the word. A childhood cancer survivor, she had overcome unimaginable obstacles to pursue her dream of competitive skating.
Her mother, Justyna, 42, was her rock, always supporting her ambitions. They had spent six days at the camp, preparing for what they thought was just the beginning of Brielle’s journey in the sport.
Her father, Andy Beyer, said she had “lit up the house with her wonderful voice” and that making the national development team had been one of her biggest dreams.
Olivia Ter
At just 12 years old, Olivia Ter was already making a name for herself on the ice.
A member of the Tucker Road Ice Rink in Maryland, she was one of the few skaters from her region selected for the development camp. She was admired for her “talent, determination, and sportsmanship.”
Sean Kay & Angela Yang
Sean Kay and Angela Yang were traveling with their coach, Alexandr Kirsanov, after attending the camp.
Delaware Senator Chris Coons confirmed their deaths, describing them as “rising stars” in the sport.
Alexandr Kirsanov
Coach Alexandr Kirsanov had dedicated his life to figure skating, mentoring young athletes with precision and care.
His wife, Natalya Gudin, who also coaches in Delaware, stayed behind while Kirsanov traveled with his students. “I lost everything,” she said. “I lost my husband, my students, my friends.”
Crew Members & Passengers: Dreams Left Unfulfilled
Beyond the skating community, other passengers and crew on board had dreams, careers, and families waiting for them.
Samuel Lilley
At just 28, First Officer Samuel Lilley had already built a promising career as a pilot. He had recently gotten engaged and was looking forward to building a life with his fiancée.
His father, Timothy Lilley, was a former Army Black Hawk pilot who had flown that same route over the Potomac for years.
His sister, Tiffany Gibson, said: “He was excited about life, about his future. He was young. It’s just tragic.”
Jonathan Campos
Captain Jonathan Campos had dreamed of flying since he was a child. His family described him as someone who always wanted to “soar like a bird.”
He had worked for PSA Airlines (a subsidiary of American Airlines) for eight years.
Ian Epstein
Ian Epstein, 53, wasn’t just a flight attendant—he was the kind of person who could make anyone smile.
His family described him as “full of life” and said he truly loved meeting new people and traveling the world. But above all, he loved his family.
Danasia Elder
Danasia Elder was another flight attendant on board that night. She had always encouraged others to chase their dreams, and her family said she was “full of life.”
Wendy Jo Shaffer
Wendy Jo Shaffer’s family described her as “a daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife, and most importantly, a mother.” They are devastated by her loss.
Casey Crafton
A devoted father and Little League coach, Casey Crafton was supposed to be back home in Salem, Connecticut, cheering his kids on from the sidelines.
His town is mourning the loss of someone who gave so much to his community.
Kiah Duggins
Kiah Duggins was a civil rights attorney and a soon-to-be law professor at Howard University.
A Harvard graduate and former White House intern, she had spent her career fighting against police misconduct and unjust bail practices. She was about to step into a classroom to inspire the next generation of changemakers.
“She had so much more to give,” Howard University said in a statement.
Grace Maxwell
Grace Maxwell was an engineering student from Wichita, Kansas, with a heart for helping others.
She had recently signed up to develop a hand-stabilizing device for a disabled child so he could feed himself independently. Her university described her as “thoughtful and dedicated to making a difference.”
Elizabeth Keys
Elizabeth Keys should have been celebrating her 33rd birthday with friends and family. Instead, her partner, David Seidman, is left grieving. “She always, always managed to have fun… no matter what she was doing.”
A birthday dinner, a hug, a simple “happy birthday”—all moments that should have happened but never will.
The Soldiers on Board the Black Hawk
Three Army soldiers lost their lives in the helicopter crash. The Army has yet to release all their names, but we know they were young service members in training.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp identified one of them as Ryan O’Hara, a young service member with a passion for flight.
“Both of these young men shared a passion for serving others,” Kemp said, also honoring pilot Samuel Lilley.
Gone Too Soon, But Never Forgotten
This wasn’t just another plane crash. These were real people—kids with Olympic dreams, parents working hard for their families, professionals dedicated to their communities. They should still be here.
Their names will fade from headlines, but their impact will last forever.
💔 Rest in peace. You are not forgotten.
