Sisters and figure skaters Everly and Alydia Livingston are among the victims of the American Airlines plane crash over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, January 29.
Everly, 11, and Alydia, 14, were members of the Washington Figure Skating Club. They were attending the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, according to their joint Instagram account.
In their final Instagram post, the sisters posed together rink-side at INTRUST Bank Arena, which hosted the event.
“If you look closely at Alydia’s badge… We were born ready for this but is @usfigureskating ready for this much Livingston at Nationals?” the caption read.
Since figure skating news outlet GoldenSkate broke the news of their deaths, commenters have filled the replies with their condolences.
“It has been a privilege to be able to watch you both grow up into beautiful skaters rest in peace angels,” wrote one follower.
Another added, “Fly high liddy and evy u guys were taken way too soon 💔”
The accident occurred when the flight collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter as it was attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Emergency officials have recovered 28 bodies as of Thursday, January 30, and there are not believed to be any survivors. The plane, American Airlines flight 5342, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew. The helicopter held three U.S. soldiers.
GoldenSkate has so far confirmed 17 members of the U.S. Figure Skating team, coaches or parents aboard the flight. Russian skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were also on the plane.
“U.S. Figure Skating can confirm that several members of our skating community were sadly aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter yesterday evening in Washington, D.C.” a statement from the organization read. “These athletes, coaches and family members were returning home from National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.”
The International Skating Union released a statement as well.
“We are heartbroken to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends, and coaches, are understood to be among those on board,” it read. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. Figure skating is more than a sport — it’s a close-knit family — and we stand together. We remain in close contact with U.S. Figure Skating and offer our full support during this incredibly difficult time.”
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