Figure Skating Community Devastated by Plane Crash Near Washington, D.C.

A fatal plane crash has claimed the lives of numerous Americans, including several figure skaters and their families. This tragedy marks the second time a plane crash has devastated the figure skating community in the United States.

The American Airlines passenger jet collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday evening, plunging into the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, DC. All 60 passengers and four crew members on board the plane perished, along with three soldiers who were aboard the helicopter.

The crash has prompted a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby river, but President Donald Trump has confirmed that there are no survivors. At least 28 bodies have been recovered from the water so far.

US Figure Skating has confirmed that athletes, coaches, and family members were returning from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the US Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. The Skating Club of Boston in Norwood, Massachusetts, later confirmed that six of its members were on board the doomed flight, including two teenage skaters, two coaches, and two parents.

This is the second time a plane crash has rocked the "close-knit family" of figure skating in the US. In 1961, a plane carrying the entire US figure skating team to the world championships in Czechoslovakia crashed on approach in Brussels, Belgium, killing all 72 people on board.

The world championships were canceled that year out of respect for the American team killed in the crash. However, the European championships taking place this week in Tallinn, Estonia, are expected to continue as scheduled.

"We are heartbroken to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends, and coaches, are understood to be among those on board. Figure skating is more than a sport – it's a close-knit family – and we stand together. We remain in close contact with US Figure Skating and offer our full support during this incredibly difficult time."

An investigation into Wednesday's crash is ongoing. President Trump has been briefed on the accident and has offered his condolences to the families of the victims.