The nation is in a state of mourning following the most devastating plane crash in the United States in 24 years, a catastrophe that resulted in the loss of 67 lives and created an irreplaceable gap within the figure skating community. Among the youngest victims were 11-year-old Angela Yang and 12-year-old Sean Kay, two talented ice dancers whose promising futures were tragically ended.
The incident occurred on the evening of January 29, when a regional jet, while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, collided in mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. All individuals aboard the aircraft perished, including the gifted young skaters, whose partnership on the ice had been remarkable. Angela and Sean had remained undefeated in juvenile ice dance this season, achieving top placements at the 2025 Midwestern Sectional Singles and U.S. Ice Dance competition held in Texas.
Angela, motivated by her siblings’ passion for ice hockey, began skating at an early age and quickly demonstrated exceptional skill. Initially focused on solo dance, she aspired to find a partner, a dream that her mother, Lily, fully supported. To ensure Angela had the best opportunities, Lily moved from Maryland to Delaware and committed to homeschooling her daughter, while Angela’s father stayed in China. Sean, the second oldest among four skating siblings, followed his older sister’s path but soon outshone his contemporaries with his innate talent. His achievements included victories in solo dance competitions at both the juvenile and intermediate levels, and he had ambitious aspirations to advance to the junior level while continuing to compete alongside Angela in the intermediate category.
Hours prior to the devastating accident, Angela posted what would ultimately be her last message on Instagram, reminiscing about the remarkable moments she experienced at the development camp in Wichita. “I’m really gonna miss my friends and all the great coaches! I can’t wait for next year!” she expressed, unaware of the impending sorrow that awaited her.
Traveling with them was their cherished coach, 46-year-old Alexandr ‘Sasha’ Kirsanov, who also lost his life in the tragedy. His wife, Natalia Gudin, conveyed her profound sadness, mourning not only her husband but also the young skaters she regarded as family. “This young team—Sean Kay and Angela Yang—they were truly exceptional. All the judges were so proud, and they had such a promising future,” she recounted, filled with grief. “And to think they were all on the same plane? For me, it’s a triple loss.”
The crash also took the lives of several other individuals from the figure skating community. Among the victims were Boston skaters Jinna Han, 13, and Spencer Lane, 16, along with their mothers. Additionally, the tragedy claimed the lives of 1994 World Champion pair skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, as well as the Livingston family from Pennsylvania—parents Donna and Peter, and their daughters Everly, 14, and Alydia, 11.
As the investigation unfolds, the figure skating community comes together in mourning, paying tribute to those who were lost. The legacy of Angela, Sean, and their fellow athletes will endure through the joy they brought to the sport, the commitment they exhibited, and the aspirations they relentlessly chased. Their untimely departure serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy.
