In a heartbreaking turn of events, two of the youngest victims of the deadly airplane crash in Washington, DC, have been identified as rising stars in the world of youth ice skating. Angela Yang and Sean Kay, a talented ice dance pair, were tragically killed alongside their coach, Alexandr Kirsanov, in the crash that occurred on a flight returning from the US Figure Skating Championships and National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas.
Yang and Kay, members of The University of Delaware Figure Skating Club, were returning from a promising stint at the National Development Camp, an event designed to nurture future ice skating champions. Just hours before their tragic deaths, Yang had shared joyful photos from her time in Wichita, reflecting on the camp experience with excitement and enthusiasm. She expressed her joy at making new friends, learning from top-tier coaches, and witnessing incredible performances by fellow skaters. “I had so much fun at camp!!! I’m really gonna miss my friends and all the great coaches! Can’t wait for next year!” Yang wrote in her post. This innocent excitement would tragically be cut short by the crash.
The ice skating duo had recently achieved significant success, securing first place in multiple categories at the 2025 Midwestern Sectional Singles & U.S. Ice Dance competitions in Plano, Texas, just months before the crash. Their passion and dedication to the sport had already earned them recognition, and they were on the fast track to becoming stars in the figure skating world.
Their coach, Alexandr Kirsanov, was also killed in the crash, further deepening the tragedy. Kirsanov’s wife confirmed his passing to local news outlets, and the loss has shaken not only the skating community but also the families and friends of those involved.
In a statement, US Figure Skating mourned the loss, describing the tragedy as “unspeakable” and expressing their heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The statement also revealed that several other skaters, coaches, and family members were on board the flight, all of whom perished in the crash.
The American Airlines plane was one of the two aircraft involved in the collision, which also claimed the lives of three soldiers aboard a Blackhawk helicopter. The crash occurred during a routine landing of the American Airlines jet, which was making its descent from Wichita. Officials have confirmed that flight conditions were clear at the time of the collision, but the helicopter unexpectedly flew into the path of the jet, leading to the devastating accident.
The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief across social media platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram, where tributes have poured in for the young skating duo and their coach. Many have taken to these platforms to share memories, express condolences, and reflect on the bright futures that were tragically lost. The University of Delaware Figure Skating Club shared their sorrow, emphasizing the impact Yang and Kay had on their team and their potential to inspire future generations of skaters.
In the wake of this tragedy, the ice skating community, along with families and supporters, has come together in grief. As authorities investigate the cause of the crash, the pain of losing such promising young talents and a dedicated coach remains heavy on the hearts of those who knew them. The skating world will forever remember Angela Yang, Sean Kay, and Alexandr Kirsanov, whose lives were cut short in an unimaginable tragedy.
