Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean
Photo by ITV

Dancing On Ice’s Torvill and Dean Share Heartbreaking Tribute to American Airlines Crash Victims

Washington, Jan 31, 2025 — Renowned ice skating icons Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have expressed their heartfelt condolences following a tragic collision between an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter at Ronald Reagan National Airport. The devastating accident, occurring around 9pm on Wednesday, marks the United States’ first fatal commercial airline incident in over a decade.

Authorities fear all 64 souls aboard both aircraft have been lost as relentless search and rescue operations continue. The collision happened as the American Airlines flight was attempting to land after departing from Wichita, Kansas. The airplane struck a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter, which was reportedly on a training mission, resulting in immediate chaos and loss.

Among the passengers on the ill-fated flight was a figure skating squad, heightening the tragedy within the sporting community. Reacting to the incident, Olympic champions Jayne Torvill and Chris Dean shared their sorrow on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of those on flight 5342 and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and friends. May they rest in peace,” the duo wrote, reaching their substantial following of 110,000 fans.

Adding to the heartbreak, a photo posted by 26-year-old Spencer Lane showed the plane taxiing on the runway at Wichita Airport shortly before its final takeoff. The caption read “ICT -> DCA,” referencing the airport codes for Wichita Dwight D and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, respectively, reports the Mirror.

The tragic flight AA5342 included several prominent figure skaters, including Russian married couple Yevgenia Skhiskhkova and Vadim Naumov. Their 23-year-old son, Maxim, a member of Team USA, was also part of the National Development Camp for young skaters in Kansas and may have been on board, though his presence has not been confirmed.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has released a statement expressing profound sorrow over the incident. IOC President Thomas Bach said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic air accident in Washington DC. On behalf of the IOC, and personally, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to all those affected, which we understand may include Olympians, young athletes, and their support staff. Our thoughts are with all the victims, their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

The collision occurred above the Potomac River during the airplane’s approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport. In the aftermath, a makeshift morgue has been established near the riverbank as over 300 emergency personnel work tirelessly to recover the remains of those who perished. In response to the disaster, the airport halted all departures and arrivals but announced that operations would resume within the next hour as flights gradually return to normal.

The community remains in shock as authorities continue to investigate the causes of the crash. The loss of such a large number of lives, including promising young athletes, has left an indelible mark on the nation, underscoring the fragility of life and the urgent need for stringent safety measures in aviation.

As mourners grieve, the support from figures like Torvill and Dean provides a poignant reminder of the widespread impact of this tragedy, resonating deeply across both the sporting and general communities.

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