Ice skaters Angela Yang and Sean Kay among victims of DC plane crash

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Youth ice dance partners Angela Yang and Sean Kay tragically lost their lives in a devastating plane crash while returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships and National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas. Their coach, Alexandr Kirsanov, was also among the victims, his wife confirmed to local news outlet Delaware News Journal.

Promising Skating Duo Taken Too Soon

Yang and Kay were beloved members of The University of Delaware Figure Skating Club, which had proudly shared their participation in the National Development Camp on social media just days before the accident.

“We have Angela Yang/Sean Kay & Zoe Stone/Jerry Stone heading to Wichita for National Development Camp with Emmanuel Savary competing in the Championship Men event,” the club announced on January 21.

Just hours before the ill-fated flight, Yang shared heartfelt moments from her time in Wichita, posting:

“I had so so much fun at camp!!! I’m really gonna miss my friends and all the great coaches! I can’t wait for next year!”

Their talent and dedication were evident, having secured first place in multiple categories at the 2025 Midwestern Sectional Singles & U.S. Ice Dance event in Plano, Texas, in November.

U.S. Figure Skating Responds to the Tragedy

U.S. Figure Skating confirmed that several skaters, coaches, and family members were on board the flight, returning home from the National Development Camp, which runs alongside the national championships.

“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 organization said in a statement.

Deadly Mid-Air Collision

The American Airlines jet, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided mid-air with a Blackhawk helicopter, which had three soldiers aboard for a training exercise. Tragically, all are presumed dead.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash, though officials stated that weather conditions were clear. Reports suggest the jet was making a routine landing when the helicopter unexpectedly entered its path.

This heartbreaking accident has left the figure skating community and their loved ones in mourning, remembering Angela Yang and Sean Kay for their passion, dedication, and bright futures in the sport.