A tragic plane crash has claimed the lives of several figure skaters, including sisters Everly and Lydia Livingston.
The two sisters from Virginia, USA were aboard PSA Airlines Flight 5342 when it crashed into the Potomac River after a mid-air collision with a helicopter.
The crash happened while the plane was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C. Officials confirmed that there were no survivors from the impact.
Among the victims were Russian figure skating coaches and former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. U.S. figure skater Spencer Lane was also identified as one of the passengers who died in the crash.
Rescue teams responded immediately, but due to the severity of the crash, recovery efforts were focused on retrieving remains and gathering evidence.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading an investigation into the cause of the collision.
The figure skating community is in mourning, with fans and fellow athletes expressing their grief online.
Tributes have poured in for the Livingston sisters, who were known for their grace on the ice. Many have also honored Shishkova, Naumov, and Lane for their contributions to the sport.
Authorities have not yet released details on what led to the collision between the plane and the helicopter.
Investigators will examine air traffic control communications, flight data, and weather conditions at the time of the crash.
