The figure skating world is in shock after a commercial jet carrying 64 people collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday night, sending both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River outside Washington, DC.
Among the passengers were American and Russian skaters returning from a Kansas training camp for juvenile, intermediate, and novice athletes.
In a Thursday morning press conference, President Donald Trump said the U.S. government was working with Russian authorities to transfer remains back to Russia.
In a public statement, the U.S. Figure Skating Association said that some of its members were on board, though the exact number remains unclear.
“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims families closely in our hearts,” said communications director Alex Schauffler.
Russian authorities also reported that three former Russian skaters were among those travelling.
American pairs skater Jon Maravilla, who attended the same camp but was not on the plane, told RIA Novosti, a Russian state news agency, that there were “about 14 figure skaters on the plane, not counting their parents and coaches.”
Maravilla declined to share names as not everyone was notified of the deaths.
As of early Thursday, authorities said there were no survivors.
Rescue teams spent the night searching frigid waters in hopes of finding any survivors.
The International Skating Union offered its condolences, saying that figure skating is “more than a sport. It’s a close-knit family.”
The tragedy follows the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, which ended over the weekend in Wichita, Kansas.
Founded in 1921, the U.S. Figure Skating Association represents nearly 900 clubs across the country.
Skate Canada has issued a public statement about the tragedy.
"Skate Canada is deeply saddened by reports of a tragic American Airlines plane crash involving members of the figure skating community. While details are still emerging, our hearts are with U.S. Figure Skating, as well as the athletes, coaches, and families affected by this devastating incident," Skate Canada said in a statement.
"In this moment of profound grief, we stand in solidarity with our colleagues at U.S. Figure Skating and offer our unwavering support as they navigate this immeasurable loss."