Olympic legend Nancy Kerrigan breaks down in floods of tears dwell on TV over determine skating group killed in airplane crash
AMERICAN determine skating icon Nancy Kerrigan could not maintain again her tears over the native determine skaters whose lives have been misplaced within the tragic Washington, DC airplane crash on Wednesday night time.
The Olympic legend, 55, spoke concerning the horrific collision of an American Airways airplane and a army helicopter that claimed the lives of all 67 individuals.
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Six of the US Determine Skating members have been killed within the airplane and helicopter collision, per Skating Membership of Boston CEO Doug Zeghibe.
They have been affiliated with the Boston skating membership the place the two-time Olympic medalist Kerrigan is an alumnus.
Kerrigan appeared in a information convention on Thursday on the Skating Membership of Boston and was in tears whereas talking to reporters concerning the devastating loss.
“We have been by tragedies earlier than as People, as individuals, and we’re sturdy. I suppose it is how we reply to it and my response is to be with individuals I care about,” Kerrigan mentioned whereas alongside the membership’s representatives.
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“I simply needed to be right here and be a part of our group.
“I believe it is a shock. … After which once you discover out you realize a few of the individuals on the airplane, it is … even an even bigger blow.”
Kerrigan mentioned she had been awake in the course of the night time watching the information protection of the collision.
She then shared her greatest needs to the households struggling by the tragedy and added, “We have been by tragedies as People, as individuals, and we’re sturdy, and I suppose it is how we reply to it.”
Kerrigan additionally gave her ideas on the 2 coaches, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who have been killed within the crash.
“I by no means labored with them, I imply we have been within the Olympics collectively however the night time earlier than I used to be sort of busy myself and form of separated from what was happening, however I’ve seen them plenty of occasions through the years,” she mentioned.
“Every part you have heard about them perhaps being somewhat powerful however with a smile on their faces.
“They have been at all times welcoming and joyful to see each other.
“To stroll in right here and never see that I believe could be very unusual for everyone that comes right here. It should be arduous.”
Shishkova and Naumov, who have been married, gained the world championship in pairs determine skating in 1994.
Washington DC airplane crash victims
A mid-air collision between American Airways flight 5342 and a army helicopter on January 29, 2025, left dozens presumed useless. The confirmed victims embody:
- Captain Jonathan Campos, 34
- First Officer Samuel Lilley, 29
- Flight attendant Ian Epstein
- Flight attendant Danashia Brown Elder
- Spencer Lane, 16
- Christine Lane
- Jinna Han, 13
- Jin Han
- Evgenia Shishkova, 52
- Vadim Naumov, 55
- Alexandr Kirsanov
- Asra Hussain Raza, 26
- Black Hawk crew chief Ryan O’Hara
The US Determine Skating members have been on American Airways flight 5342 which crashed right into a army plane over the Potomac River.
It was on its strategy to Washington Nationwide Airport after departing from Wichita, Kansas.
It is understood the determine skaters participated in a nationwide growth camp for up-and-coming younger skaters following the U.S. Championships that occurred in Wichita – which is the place the airplane was coming from.
In all, 14 of the victims have been getting back from the competition, per the CEO Skating Membership of Boston Zeghibe.
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