Nancy Kerrigan the iconic American figure skater alongside Tonya Harding, amber glenn etc have expressed their sorrows as we saw an unimaginably tragic week for the U.S. figure skating community, and it’s all a tragedy the sport has faced since the passing of 14 talented skaters and coaches through a devastating plane crash on January 29, 2025.
The skaters, who were mostly part of the Skating Club of Boston, had been on their way to the national competition where they were meant to compete in a flight. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., killing all passengers on board.
Among them were promising stars like Jinna Han, Spencer Lane, their mothers, and veteran coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. The appalling crash has left the community shocked, and there will never be a replacement for these agile young athletes now gone from the skating world.
Former Olympic figure skater and Boston Native Nancy Kerrigan visited the Skating Club of Boston to see the memorial held for the Skater. The former Olympic hopeful reflected on just how much pain this loss means, “as if so many talents were there taken too young.”. “These were young, talented skaters with their whole lives ahead of them”.
Her emotional visit was a poignant reminder of the close-knit nature of the skating world, where the bonds formed between athletes, coaches, and families often extend beyond the ice rink.
The accident has thrown the figure skating world into shock. U.S. Figure Skating champions, including Amber Glenn, the current US and Grand Prix champion expressed their grief and solidarity with the families of the victims. Amber Glenn shared her grief with fans and fellow skaters alike. “We are a family, and this loss is felt deeply by all of us,” she said. “It’s impossible to find the right words to say, but we stand together in mourning.”
The words of Glenn were reminiscent of so many in the community—be it fellow competitors or coaches—who have all been so touched by the tragic loss. The outpouring of support for the families of the victims has been overwhelming, with skating organizations across the country offering their condolences and pledging support in any way they can.
However, this heartbreaking week did not stop with the plane crash. The figure skating world found itself mourning another loss that hit close to home. Just hours after the news of the plane crash broke, the figure skating community was dealt another devastating blow with the passing of Dick Button, one of the most iconic figures in the history of the sport.
Button, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and legendary commentator, has died at 95. His passing leaves the figure skating world without one of its most respected figures, whose impact on the sport was as lasting as his legacy as an athlete and a voice that guided the public’s understanding of figure skating.
Button’s contribution to the sport was immeasurable. He was the first man to land a double axel in competition, but also played a huge role in increasing the profile of figure skating through his insightful and often witty commentary. His voice and passion for the sport made him a loved figure, and his death marks the end of an era in figure skating.
Many have taken to social media to express their admiration for Button and his incredible legacy. In response to such intense grief, the figure skating world has united in its efforts to pay tribute to the lost souls.
Memorial services are being planned for the victims of the plane crash, with the Skating Club of Boston serving as a central gathering place for mourners. Nancy Kerrigan, along with other members of the community, will participate in these services as a way of commemorating the lives of the skaters and coaches who perished.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Nancy Kerrigan said, “We will remember them, and we will support their families through this unimaginable time. The bond we share as a skating community is unbreakable, and we will hold each other up as we navigate this loss.”
During the memorial services, coming together in the figure skating community to mourn, it is clear that their loss will be perpetuated for years to come. Their names will survive in the hearts of those who knew them as long as the athletes and coaches carry forward the legacy created by these heroes.
