WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a heartfelt tribute filled with emotion and grace, the U.S. figure skating community came together on Sunday for Legacy on Ice, a fundraiser and memorial event honoring the 67 victims of the devastating January 29 collision between an American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River. Among the lives lost were 28 members of the skating community—11 young skaters, four coaches, and 13 family members—who had been returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
The two-hour event, hosted by Olympic gold medalists Brian Boitano and Kristi Yamaguchi, featured performances from some of the sport’s most celebrated figures, including Scott Hamilton and Nathan Chen. The skating world, known for its tight-knit camaraderie, turned the evening into both a solemn remembrance and a powerful show of resilience, as the rink became a stage for honoring those who perished. Proceeds from the event will support scholarships and foundations in memory of the fallen skaters.
One of the evening’s most poignant moments came when Maxim Naumov took to the ice, dedicating his performance to his late parents, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, both world-renowned skaters who lost their lives in the tragedy. Skating to one of their favorite songs, Naumov delivered a deeply personal and emotional tribute, bringing many in the audience to tears. His powerful routine symbolized both grief and strength, embodying the spirit of those the community had lost.
The tragedy has left an irreplaceable void in the figure skating world, with many recalling the vibrant talent and dedication of the young skaters who perished. U.S. Figure Skating President Sam Auxier described the event as “a testament to the enduring spirit of the sport,” emphasizing the importance of preserving the legacy of those who had been on board. The skating federation has also announced plans for an annual memorial competition in their honor.
As the final performance concluded, the audience rose in a standing ovation, united in both sorrow and solidarity. The night was not just a remembrance but a commitment to carrying forward the dreams of those lost. Through every graceful spin and soaring jump, Legacy on Ice served as a powerful reminder that though these skaters are gone, their impact on the sport—and on the hearts of those they inspired—will endure forever.
