Olympian Nancy Kerrigan to Pay Tribute to Ice Skaters Who Perished in D.C. Crash
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Sporting legends Nancy Kerrigan, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Peggy Fleming have come together to honour the victims of the tragic D.C. plane crash earlier this year. The special event, named Legacy on Ice, is scheduled for Sunday, March 2 in Washington, D.C., and aims to raise funds for the families of the 67 individuals who lost their lives in the devastating accident. The crash, which occurred on January 29, claimed the lives of 28 members of the skating community, leaving a lasting impact on the figure skating world.
The event will be co-hosted by Olympic gold medallist Brian Boitano alongside Kristi Yamaguchi, and will feature more than three dozen figure skaters, including current and retired champions like Nathan Chen and Ilia Kulik. The figure skating community has rallied together to support those affected by the tragedy, showing the tight-knit bond and unwavering support within the sport.
American Airlines flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport, resulting in the worst aviation accident in the U.S. since 2001. Among the victims were 11 young skaters from different clubs, as highlighted in a tribute video shared by U.S. Figure Skating. The entire global skating community mourns the loss of these bright and talented individuals, emphasizing the profound impact of the tragedy.
Samuel Auxier, the Interim CEO of U.S. Figure Skating, expressed heartfelt condolences, stating, “We will never forget them. May their passion and excellence inspire us and give us strength in the days ahead.” The benefit event, hosted at the Capital One Arena and organised in collaboration with Monumental Sports & Entertainment and Entertainment Gang, aims to provide support to the victims’ families and emergency personnel.
Reflecting on the recent crash, skating legend Peggy Fleming shared her thoughts on social media, acknowledging the somber parallels with the 1961 plane crash that claimed the lives of the entire U.S. Figure Skating team and her coach. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity within the figure skating community during times of loss and adversity.
The Live on Ice tribute will be streamed live on Peacock on March 2 at 3 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast on NBC on March 30 at 1 p.m. ET, allowing a wider audience to participate in and support the event. The historic gathering of figure skating stars underscores the profound legacy and camaraderie of the sport, showcasing a powerful display of solidarity and remembrance.
As the skating world continues to mourn the loss of these young and promising talents, the outpouring of support and compassion from athletes, fans, and organisers reflects the strength and unity that permeates the figure skating community. The tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and spirit that define the sport, embodying the ethos of honouring and remembering those who have left an indelible mark on the ice.