The figure skating world is grappling with an unthinkable loss after a catastrophic mid-air collision over Washington, D.C. late Wednesday. Among the victims feared dead are Jinna Han, 13, and Spencer Lane, 16—two rising stars whose promising futures were tragically cut short.
Traveling home with their mothers, Jin Han and Christine Lane, the young skaters were aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 when it collided with a military helicopter, sending the aircraft plunging into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport.
The devastating news has sent shockwaves through the Skating Club of Boston, where both teenagers trained tirelessly, chasing dreams that now remain heartbreakingly unfulfilled.
Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the club, held back tears as he spoke at a press conference Thursday morning, calling Jinna a “radiant, joyful spirit” who was adored by everyone who knew her.
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“These families were the heart and soul of our club,” Zeghibe said. “Jinna and Spencer weren’t just talented athletes—they were part of our family.”
Despite the grief weighing heavy on the skating community, Zeghibe emphasized that the club would remain open, a beacon for those seeking solace in the wake of the tragedy.
“We are more than a training center. We are a home. This club will be a space to come together, grieve, and heal,” he said. “We are also the official host of the World Championships this March. And though our hearts are broken, we will carry on in their honor.”
This tragedy echoes a haunting moment in skating history. In 1961, the sport suffered another devastating loss when 18 members of the U.S. figure skating team perished in a plane crash en route to the World Championships in Prague. Among them was 16-year-old Laurence Owen, a prodigy known as “America’s Queen of the Ice.”
“That crash changed the sport forever,” Zeghibe reflected. “Losing athletes, coaches, and mentors in such a sudden, tragic way impacts not just one club, but generations of skaters to come.”
As the Skating Club of Boston navigates yet another heartbreaking moment in history, its members vow to honor Jinna, Spencer, and their families with resilience and strength.
Officials have confirmed that all passengers and crew members aboard the aircraft are presumed dead. Flight 5342 was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the Black Hawk helicopter had three soldiers onboard.
Rescue teams continue efforts to recover bodies from the wreckage, shifting their focus from search-and-rescue to recovery. Investigations are ongoing, but authorities remain cautious about speculating on the cause of the collision.
“We are committed to finding answers,” said a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) spokesperson. “This was a catastrophic event, and our priority is uncovering what went wrong to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again.”
In the coming weeks, memorials will be planned to honor Jinna, Spencer, and the other victims of this heartbreaking disaster. The skating world will press forward, carrying their memories on the ice, never forgetting the incredible talents, dreams, and spirits lost far too soon.
As the Skating Club of Boston prepares for the World Championships, the competition will serve as more than just an international event—it will be a tribute to those who left an indelible mark on the sport and the hearts of those who loved them.
