Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding Mourn Loss of Figure Skaters in Fatal Plane Accident in D.C.
The tragic plane crash near Washington D.C.’s Reagan National Airport left the figure skating community reeling on Thursday, following reports that several skaters were on board the flight that collided with a U.S. military Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday night.
The skaters were returning from a national training camp after participating in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. The total number of victims connected to the figure skating world has not been determined yet.
Numerous renowned figures in figure skating quickly took to social media to share their condolences for those affected. Olympic gold medalist and NBC figure skating analyst Tara Lipinski, along with former skater and NBC commentator Johnny Weir, posted heartfelt messages on Instagram. Olympic bronze medalist Ashley Wagner also shared her sentiments. Tonya Harding, a former Olympian, expressed her sorrow in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
However, Nancy Kerrigan, a two-time Olympic medalist, had one of the most heartfelt responses.
In a press conference on Thursday, Kerrigan disclosed that she was acquainted with at least two of the skaters who were on the flight: Spencer Lane and Jinna Hahn. Notably, both of their mothers, Molly Lane and Jin Hahn, were also on board the plane.
“I have never seen anyone love skating as deeply as those two, and that’s why this hits so hard,” Kerrigan stated. “Learning that I knew some of the individuals on the flight makes it even more devastating.”
Six Members of the Skating Club of Boston Confirmed Among the Deceased
Kerrigan’s connection to the tragedy goes even further. As an alumna of the Skating Club of Boston, Kerrigan clarified that she had not skated at their new facilities. With six passengers confirmed to be members of that club, the news greatly impacted her.
“Our community is quite small,” Kerrigan said, visibly emotional. “So, it’s not just those directly involved who are suffering. It’s everyone at every rink that engages in skating who feels this loss. It’s a terrible tragedy.”
Kerrigan found it “strange” to participate in interviews so soon after the incident but recognized the importance of attending the press conference to support her community.
