Category: Sports

  • 6 with ties to Boston figure skating club killed in midair collision, official says

    6 with ties to Boston figure skating club killed in midair collision, official says

    The American figure skating community suffered severe losses on Wednesday night as six people with ties to the Skating Club of Boston were on board a passenger plane when it collided with a U.S. Army helicopter.

    Officials said Thursday there were no survivors of the crash and that the mission went from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. Nearly 30 bodies were pulled from the Potomac River.

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    A U.S. Park Police helicopter flies over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. (Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo)

    The Skating Club of Boston CEO Doug Zeghibe identified those with ties to the club as athletes, Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, two coaches, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, and Jin Han, the mother of Jinna, and Molly Lane, the mother of Spencer, were identified as the victims with ties to the skate club.

    “Our sport and this Club have suffered a horrible loss with this tragedy,” Zeghibe said in a statement posted to social media. “Skating is a tight-knit community where parents and kids come together 6 of 7 days a week to train and work together. Everyone is like family. Of the skaters, coaches and parents on the plane, we believe six were from The Skating Club of Boston. We are devastated and completely at a loss for words.

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    Rescuers work on the Potomac River in Washington DC after a tragic plane crash

    Bodies lie on the ground next to emergency vehicles, near the site of the crash after American Eagle Flight 5342 collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed into the Potomac River, outside of Washington, D.C., on Jan. 30, 2025. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

    “These athletes, coaches, parents were returning from U.S. Figure Skating’s National Development Camp, following last week’s U.S. Championships in Wichita. This camp is for young competitive skaters of tomorrow with the promise to be a champion of tomorrow. The club sent 18 athletes to compete at the U.S. Championships. It sent 12 athletes to the National Development Camp.”

    Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, confirmed earlier Thursday that Naumov and Shishkova were among those on board the plane.

    Naumov and Shishkova competed in pairs during their careers. They won a pairs title at the 1994 world championships and competed at the Winter Olympics twice.

    U.S. Figure Skating said there were members of its organization on board as well.

    “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.,” the organization said earlier Thursday. “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.

    “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.”

    The International Skating Union said it was “deeply shocked” over the incident.

    Rescuers work on the Potomac River in Washington DC after a tragic plane crash

    Rescuers on boats work as the sun rises at the site of the crash after a Black Hawk helicopter collided with American Eagle Flight 5342, which was approaching Reagan Washington National Airport, and crashed into the Potomac River, outside Washington, D.C., on Jan. 30, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

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    “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,” the organization said.

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  • American figure skater sets record straight on viral rumor amid airline tragedy

    American figure skater sets record straight on viral rumor amid airline tragedy

    American figure skater Jon Maravilla set the record straight on a story that went viral amid the airline disaster that occurred near Reagan International Airport on Wednesday night.

    Maravilla told The Daily Beast in an interview on Thursday he was denied from his flight because of his dog but he was set to fly out of Detroit and not Wichita, Kansas, where the doomed flight originated from. Media reports from Russia originally claimed he was supposed to be on the plane, pointing to Instagram posts from his personal account.

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    He told the outlet it was unclear where the reports came from but he was heartbroken over the fate of some of his friends.

    “I still can’t believe it,” he told the outlet. “I was just with them watching them have lots of fun and just enjoying their time.”

    He added that he was in a parking lot when he started to learn the flight that collided with a U.S. Army helicopter had originated from Wichita.

    Officials said Thursday there were no survivors of the crash and that the mission went from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. Nearly 30 bodies were pulled from the Potomac River.

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    At least six of those who died in the crash had ties to the Skating Club of Boston.

    The Skating Club of Boston CEO Doug Zeghibe identified those with ties to the club as athletes, Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, two coaches, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, and Jin Han, the mother of Jinna, and Molly Lane, the mother of Spencer, were identified as the victims with ties to the skate club.

    “Our sport and this Club have suffered a horrible loss with this tragedy,” Zeghibe said in a statement posted to social media. “Skating is a tight-knit community where parents and kids come together 6 of 7 days a week to train and work together. Everyone is like family. Of the skaters, coaches and parents on the plane, we believe six were from The Skating Club of Boston. We are devastated and completely at a loss for words.

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    “These athletes, coaches, parents were returning from U.S. Figure Skating’s National Development Camp, following last week’s U.S. Championships in Wichita. This camp is for young competitive skaters of tomorrow with the promise to be a champion of tomorrow. The club sent 18 athletes to compete at the U.S. Championships. It sent 12 athletes to the National Development Camp.”

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  • Figure skating community mourns victims of deadly plane crash collision: ‘At a loss for words’ 

    Figure skating community mourns victims of deadly plane crash collision: ‘At a loss for words’ 

    Members of the figure skating community have spoken out after an American Airlines flight tragically collided with an Army helicopter late Wednesday night in Washington, D.C., leaving all 67 on board both aircraft presumably dead. 

    U.S. Figure Skating released a statement confirming that “several members of our skating community” were aboard the flight. The organization said they were returning home from a development camp being held after the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, which concluded on Sunday. 

    “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.” 

    A U.S. Park Police helicopter flies over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. (Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo)

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    Wichita Mayor Lily Wu did not confirm how many members of U.S. Figure Skating were on board Flight 5342 during a press conference on Thursday morning. 

    “It was truly an honor to have future Olympians and those who are at the highest competition level of figure skating, right here in our capital,” she said. 

    “We were so excited to have the opportunity to host the national championship, and even yesterday I had folks tell me how wonderful these last few days have been with additional individuals that came into our community, whether to watch or to participate. So our community was really excited and thankful that everything went well with the championship. And so right now we’re just waiting for more information from U.S. Figure Skating that we can release. But right now we’re just hoping and praying again.” 

    A U.S. flag flies, as search and rescue teams work, in the aftermath of the collision of American Eagle Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, on Jan. 30, 2025.

    A U.S. flag flies, as search and rescue teams work, in the aftermath of the collision of American Eagle Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, on Jan. 30, 2025. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)

    First responders switched to recovery efforts in the Potomac River after it was believed that there were no survivors. There were 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the flight and three soldiers aboard the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.

    AMERICAN FIGURE SKATER SAYS HE WAS BARRED FROM FLIGHT THAT COLLIDED WITH ARMY HELICOPTER

    “This is heartbreaking,” Team USA figure skater Josphine Lee wrote in a post to her Instagram Stories. “My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone on the flight, including the skaters, coaches, and parents.” 

    Josephine Lee competes

    U.S. figure skater Josephine Lee called the deadly plane collision in Washington, D.C., “heartbreaking” in a post on social media. (William Purnell-Imagn Images)

    Team USA pair skater Luke Wang shared a similar sentiment in a post on X. 

    “Praying for all those on the flight from wichita to dc. Among the passengers were skaters and coaches. Absolutely heartbreaking.”

    Several other Team U.S. figure skaters also took to social media.                     

    “Words cannot fathom the fear and sadness I feel from this event,” reigning pairs U.S. junior champion Hana Maria Aboian said early Thursday morning. “It is absolutely terrible and I pray for all the athletes, coaches, and everyone onboard to be safe and healthy.”

    “I am at a loss for words… I can’t even explain how devastated I feel for the loss of amazing people that were on this flight. I’m sending prayers to their families and the figure skating community,” Starr Andrews said. 

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    Starr Andrews performs

    U.S. figure skater Starr Andrews mourned the tragic loss in a post on social media, adding that she was “at a loss for words.” All 67 people onboard the flight and helicopter are presumed dead. (Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports)

    The International Skating Union also released a statement. 

    “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,” the statement read in part. 

    Two former Olympians, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were also believed to be among the victims of the plane crash, the Kremlin confirmed. 

    The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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  • WWE star ‘feeling in danger’ after scary ‘romantic’ advances during fan interactions

    WWE star ‘feeling in danger’ after scary ‘romantic’ advances during fan interactions

    WWE superstar Asuka, the four-time world champion, said she has recently felt in danger and has contacted the police regarding fan interactions that have had “romantic” advances involved. 

    Asuka, whose real name is Kanako Urai, is a Japanese professional wrestler who sent out multiple posts on her X account Wednesday, when she expressed her feelings about recent fan interactions that had been taken too far in her eyes. 

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    “I’ve been feeling in danger recently,” she wrote on X. “I’ve already consulted the police. At this rate, even if fans approach me at the airport or in the city, I will feel the possibility that something might happen, and it will scare me, making me unable to respond.”

    Asuka kneels on Iyo Sky during the triple threat women’s championship match of the WWE Fastlane pro wrestling event on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (IMAGN)

    While Asuka did not talk about a specific interaction she had with fans, she did express her want for fans to stop having “romantic feelings for me.”

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    “It’s meaningless – 100% pointless,” she wrote in a separate post. 

    “There is absolutely no possibility for others to interfere in my private life.”

    It is worth noting this is not the first time a WWE star has dealt with fans who take their love for the sport and brand too far. 

    Asuka reacts in ring

    Asuka battles in the Women’s Money in the Bank match during Money in the Bank at Dickies Arena. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)

    Fellow star Sonya Deville had an obsessed fan of hers drive from his home in South Carolina to Tampa Bay, Florida, where she lived, with the intent of abducting her. The man, Phillip Thomas, carried a knife, zip ties, duct tape and mace, and broke into her home. 

    A plea deal was ultimately struck for 15 years in prison in 2023 after the incident in 2020, when Thomas was charged with attempted kidnapping, aggravated stalking and armed burglary. 

    Asuka, 43, has not been wrestling of late, as she suffered an injury in May 2024, which required knee surgery. 

    Asuka reacts on stage

    Asuka during Wrestlemania Night 2 at SoFi Stadium. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)

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    Asuka is the longest-reigning NXT women’s champion, and she’s also won the Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank in her career, which began in 2015. 

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  • American figure skater’s eerie social media post sparks concern after plane collides with Army helicopter

    American figure skater’s eerie social media post sparks concern after plane collides with Army helicopter

    An American figure skater’s social media post sparked concern about his whereabouts as it appeared he was on the plane that collided with a U.S. Army helicopter on Wednesday night.

    Spencer Lane posted a photo on his Instagram while the American Airlines flight was on the runway at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport. The plane appeared to be waiting to take off for Reagan International Airport near Washington, D.C.

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    A boat works the scene near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

    “ICT (to) DCA,” the post on his Instagram Stories read.

    Lane did not post anything else after that. Another post on his Instagram Stories showed him warming up with Kohaku Murai. He had also shared a collage of pictures with other team members who were in Wichita, Kansas.

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    Mid-Air Collision At DC's Reagan Airport Suspends All Flights

    Onlookers watch as emergency crews respond to the crash site near the Potomac River after a passenger jet collided with a helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Alex Wroblewski/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    U.S. Figure Skating said earlier Thursday that athletes, coaches and family members involved with its organization were on board the flight.

    “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.,” the organization said. “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

    “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.”

    Rescuers work on the Potomac River in Washington DC after a tragic plane crash

    Emergency vehicles stage at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, Jan. 29, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. (Kevin Wolf/AP)

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    Officials said Thursday they didn’t think there were any survivors.

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  • American figure skater sets record straight on viral rumor amid airline tragedy

    American figure skater says he was barred from flight that collided with Army helicopter

    An American figure skater was barred from the American Airlines flight that collided with a U.S. Army helicopter near Reagan International Airport on Thursday night.

    Jon Maravilla told Russia’s Sputnik he was not allowed on the flight because his dog was too big to board. He said he ultimately decided to make the 14-hour drive back from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C. He also mentioned the issue on his personal Instagram account.

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    Rescue workers respond to the scene on the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

    “Not allowed past gate to board flight,” he wrote in one post. “Get me tf out of Kansas please.”

    He added, “14 hour journey begins.”

    Maravilla told RIA Novosti that there were “about 14 figure skaters on the plane, not counting their parents and coaches,” according to The New York Times.

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    Rescuers work on the Potomac River in Washington DC after a tragic plane crash

    Emergency lights are reflected in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. (Alex Brandon)

    “Such a tragedy,” he added.

    At least 60 people were aboard the American Airlines flight.

    U.S. Figure Skating did not confirm the number of members of its organization 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.,” the organization said. “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.

    American Eagle flight 5342 crashes in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

    Emergency service vehicles stand near the site of the crash after American Eagle Flight 5342 collided with a helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed in the Potomac River, outside Washington, D.C., Jan. 29, 2025. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

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    “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.”

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  • World champion Russian figure skaters aboard flight involved in midair collision, Kremlin says

    World champion Russian figure skaters aboard flight involved in midair collision, Kremlin says

    Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were a Russian figure skating pair who competed in multiple Olympic Games and medaled in multiple world championships.

    The Kremlin said Thursday the figure skating stars were among those aboard an American Airlines flight that collided with a U.S. Army helicopter near Reagan International Airport on Wednesday night.

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    Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were killed in a plane crash, the Kremlin said. (Reuters)

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Shishkova and Naumov were on the plane.

    “Unfortunately, we see that this sad information is being confirmed. There were other fellow citizens there. Bad news today from Washington. We are sorry and send condolences to the families and friends who lost those of our fellow citizens who died in the plane crash,” he said.

    It was Naumov’s coach who introduced the pair in 1985, wanting them to work together despite Naumov rebuffing the idea at first. They began to work together in 1987 and competed and won bronze in the 1991 European Championships while representing the former Soviet Union. The pair would go on to win two more bronze and silver medals in the event.

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    Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov win silver

    From left to right, in pairs are silver medalists Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov of Russia, gold medalists Radka Kovarikova and Rene Novotny of the Czech Republic, and bronze medalists Jenni Meno and Todd Sand of the United States. (Reuters)

    Shishkova and Naumov earned accolades on the world stage as well. At the 1993 World Championships, the two earned a bronze medal. The following year in Chiba, Japan, the two picked up their first gold medal. They finished with a silver in 1995 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

    The pair competed in the 1992 Olympics in Albertville, France, and the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. They finished in fifth in 1992 and fourth in 1994.

    Shishkova and Naumov married in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in 1995, and they moved to Connecticut. They had a son, Maxim, who competed in men’s singles in the U.S.

    Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov in Japan

    German runner-ups in the pairs Mandy Wotzel, left, and Ingo Steuer (2nd L) with winners Evgenia Shishkova, right, and Vadim Naumov wave to fans in the awarding ceremony of the NHK Trophy Figure Skating Grand Prix in Nagoya, Japan. (Reuters)

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    The Russian pair were listed as professional pairs coaches on the Skating Club of Boston’s website.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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  • Chiefs’ Travis Kelce floats ‘conspiracy’ his brother ‘can get behind’

    Chiefs’ Travis Kelce floats ‘conspiracy’ his brother ‘can get behind’

    Prior to the Philadelphia Eagles’ 55-23 drubbing of the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, the famous Rocky statue in downtown Philadelphia was wearing Commanders gear.

    Actually, the statue was dressed in Redskins garb, the Commanders’ former identity.

    But Travis Kelce isn’t buying into the fact that the opposing team’s fans are the ones dressing up the “Rocky” statue.

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    “I’m fully aware of the fact that it happens every single meaningful game, I don’t think it’s the other team doing it at this point,” Kelce said during a recent episode of “New Heights.”

    Jason Kelce, former Eagles star center and avid supporter of the team, proposed who might be dressing up the statue.

    “You think the Eagles are doing it?” Jason asked.

    “100%,” Travis responded. 

    The Rocky statue has been dressed numerous times in opposing team’s colors, with each occasion normally leading an Eagles victory. 

    When the Eagles won the Super Bowl over the New England Patriots, someone put a Tom Brady jersey on the statue.

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    Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce arrives prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

    During the Eagles run to the Super Bowl in 2023, Rocky was dressed in both New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers gear before the Eagles dismantled both teams en route to the big game. 

    Jason then referenced a Kansas City Chiefs shirt on Rocky ahead of the Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl matchup in 2023, but Travis expressed skepticism that a Chiefs fan was the culprit.

    “Yeah that was Chiefs gear,” Travis said doubtfully, “It was like a red shirt that said Chiefs on it.”

    “They like wrote Chiefs in Sharpie or something. It’s got to be Philly, it’s got to be Eagles fans.”

    EAGLES FAN, 18, DIES AFTER FALL FROM LIGHT POLE DURING CELEBRATION

    Jason Kelce looks on

    Former NFL player and ESPN commentator Jason Kelce is shown on the sidelines during the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Denny Medley-Imagn Images)

    Jason supported Travis’s theory, saying that it’s “a conspiracy I can get behind.”

    Travis thinks the motivation for dressing Rocky up in the opposing team’s gear is to get Eagles fans riled up.

    “They’re just firing up the entire city, getting it nice and rowdy,” Kelce said. 

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    Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

    Rocky has not yet been dressed in Chiefs gear, but there is still plenty of time before kickoff in the Super Bowl. 

    Kelce’s Chiefs will take on the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at 6:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 9 on FOX.

    FOX’s coverage of Super Bowl LIX will begin at 1 p.m. ET. Coverage can also be streamed live on Tubi for the first time ever.

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  • 6 with ties to Boston figure skating club killed in midair collision, official says

    American figure skating members, Russian Olympians aboard plane in Reagan National Airport crash

    U.S. and Russian figure skaters were on board an American Airlines flight that collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.

    U.S. Figure Skating said athletes, coaches and family members were returning home from a camp held in Wichita, Kansas.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    Bodies lie on the ground next to emergency vehicles, near the site of the crash after American Eagle Flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed into the Potomac River, outside Washington, D.C., on Jan. 30, 2025. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

    “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.,” the organization said. “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

    “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.”

    LIVE UPDATES: MILITARY HELICOPTER COLLIDES WITH AIRCRAFT NEAR REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT

    Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who won a pairs title at the 1994 world championships and competed at the Winter Olympics twice, were on board the plane as well, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.

    “Unfortunately, we see that this sad information is being confirmed. There were other fellow citizens there. Bad news today from Washington. We are sorry and send condolences to the families and friends who lost those of our fellow citizens who died in the plane crash,” he said.

    The International Skating Union said it was “deeply shocked” over the incident.

    Rescuers work on the Potomac River in Washington DC after a tragic plane crash

    Emergency vehicles stage at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. (Kevin Wolf/AP)

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    “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,” the organization said.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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  • Super Bowl champion hopes fans appreciate Chiefs’ greatness, not hate on it

    Super Bowl champion hopes fans appreciate Chiefs’ greatness, not hate on it

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    The Kansas City Chiefs haterade is being served triple this year after reaching their third consecutive Super Bowl.

    The back-to-back reigning champions are one win away from becoming the first team to ever three-peat, and despite putting their name among the greatest dynasties in sports, a large majority of football fans can’t wait for it to end.

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    However, one former NFL great has no issues with the Chiefs’ success, knowing how difficult it is to do what the Chiefs have been doing.

    Clay Matthews, left, and Patrick Mahomes (IMAGN)

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    Clay Matthews, who won a Super Bowl, says it’s easier for him, as opposed to the average fan, to appreciate the Chiefs’ greatness rather than hate on it.

    “I don’t think people understand how difficult it is. Unlike maybe in some other sports where there’s no salary cap, and certain teams dominate football, because of the salary cap, because of the parody within the league, it’s so difficult to stay on top,” Matthews told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. “And for [Tom] Brady to do that for so long, and now [Patrick] Mahomes to do that within his first seven years, it’s remarkable.

    “So I look at it as just enjoy the show, and I hope everybody is as well.”

    Matthews knows how difficult it really is, and how grateful the Chiefs should be, considering fans in the early 2010s thought the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers would be the next great dynasty. Matthews called Rodgers “arguably the greatest talent” at the quarterback position, but even they couldn’t get over the hump more than once.

    Clay Matthews and Aaron Rodgers

    Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews, left, points to Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 6, 2011. (USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis. via Imagn Content Services LLC)

    “We were only able to make one Super Bowl. … So I firsthand know how difficult it is to get back to the Super Bowl. So for him to be able to do this year and year out, it’s almost like a cheat code, but the reality is it takes so much more than just us at home saying it’s unfair,” Matthews added.

    Clay Matthews celebrates

    Green Bay Packers Clay Matthews is shown during a game on Sept. 9, 2012. (John Biever/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

    EX-NFL STAR CLAY MATTHEWS DISCUSSES RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP AS A FATHER, RAISING SONS TO BE HUNTERS

    “I grew up in the Kobe [Bryant] era, the Lakers era where they were winning championships, and I’m sure everybody was hating. When the Yankees were winning, I was hating on them because I was a Dodgers fan,” the Southern California native continued. “So whereas I wasn’t involved in professional athletics, it’s a lot easier to hate on the couch as a fan. 

    “Being a former player and, you know, football as well is just such a difficult sport. I mean, the physicality of it, the war of attrition, everything that goes into it to get to this point right now, it’s truly remarkable. So, yes, I do appreciate it a lot more than perhaps others who haven’t played the game do.”

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    Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

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    Maybe it will be a different story, though, if the Chiefs go to four in a row.

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