In response to Wednesday night’s sad accident between an American Airlines plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, former U.S. Olympian Nancy Kerrigan courageously addressed in front of reporters on Thursday.
At the Skating Club of Boston’s rink, the 55-year-old Kerrigan, a former two-time Olympic figure skating medalist who was involved in controversy herself 31 years ago, paid her respects to the six club members who lost their lives in the accident.
“I’m not sure how to handle it,” Kerrigan remarked, taking a moment to contain his tears. We simply wanted to be here and be a part of our community, which is why I’m here.
Because it was such a horrible incident, I feel bad for the athletes, skaters, and their families—but also for everyone else who was on that plane. As Americans, we’ve had tragedies before, and we’re resilient. I suppose it’s how we handle it, and my reaction was to be here with the people I love and care about. My reason for being here is that I needed assistance.
People Magazine reported that at least six members of the Skating Club of Boston were on the plane, including skater Spencer Lane and his mother Christine, skater Jinna Han and her mother Jin, coaches and former world pairs champions Evgenia Shiskova and husband Vadim Baumov.
The aircraft, American Airlines Flight 5342, also carried a number of other ice skating community members. After the recent 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, those involved in ice skating were heading home after a development camp.
Shortly before 9 p.m. on Wednesday, the passenger plane was approaching Ronald Reagan International Airport when the chopper struck it.
Please watch the video below to witness Kerrigan’s full response to the tragedy.
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