U.S. Olympic Committee issues statement after figure skaters killed in D.C. plane crash

The U.S. Olympic Committee has issued a statement after 14 U.S. figure skaters died in a plane crash in Washington D.C. The crash happened on Wednesday night when American Airlines flight 5342 crashed into a military aircraft over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

“Today we join in mourning the profound loss of the passengers aboard Flight 5342 and all those impacted by this tragedy,” U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland said in a statement. “We are devastated, and there are truly no words to capture the depth of our sorrow.”

“Among those lost were talented athletes, dedicated coaches, and beloved family members from the U.S. Fugure Staking community, all returning home from the National Development Camp. These Olympic hopefuls represented the bright future of Team USA, embodying the very essence of what it means to represent our country — perseverance, resilience, and hope. They were remarkable young people and talents, passionately pursuing their dreams, and they will forever hold a cherished place in the Team USA family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and the communities that nurtured and supported them. We extended our sincerest condolences during this unimaginable time.”

The plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, according to the airline (per PEOPLE). The U.S. Figure Skating confirmed to PEOPLE on Thursday that several members of the governing body were onboard the aircraft.

Six U.S. figure skaters were members of The Skating Club of Boston, CEO Doug Zeghibe said in a press conference on Thursday. The victims of The Skating Club of Boston identified as two teens, Spencer Lane and Jinna Han, their mothers, Molly Lane and Jin Han, and two coaches, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, former Russian world champions.

“They’re here at our facility in Norwood six, sometimes seven days a week. It’s a close, tight bond,” Zeghibe said at the press conference. “So I think for all of us, we have lost family.”

The U.S. Figure Skating team also released a statement about the plane crash. “These athletes, coaches and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas,” the team said.

“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.”