In a poignant moment of reflection, former Olympian Nancy Kerrigan paid tribute to the victims of the tragic American Airlines Flight 5342 crash. The incident occurred on Wednesday night when a commercial plane collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in multiple fatalities. Among those lost were several members of Kerrigan's own skating community, including athletes and coaches affiliated with the Skating Club of Boston. On Thursday, January 30th, Kerrigan visited the club’s rink in Norwood, Massachusetts, seeking solace and support from her fellow skaters. Her presence underscored the deep connections within the tight-knit skating world, where tragedy has struck before.
Nancy Kerrigan Visits Skating Club of Boston Amidst Heartfelt Grief
In the aftermath of the devastating crash, Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan made an emotional visit to the Skating Club of Boston in Norwood, Mass., on a somber Thursday. The 55-year-old athlete, who hails from nearby Stoneham, felt compelled to be among her peers during this difficult time. “I needed the community, the support,” she expressed, highlighting the importance of being there for one another during such moments of sorrow. Several individuals connected to the Skating Club of Boston perished in the accident, including coaches Evgenia Shiskova and Vadim Naumov, as well as skaters Spencer Lane, Jinna Han, and their respective family members. Additionally, skaters from other clubs, like sisters Everly and Alydia Livingston, were also among the victims.
The athletes and coaches were returning home from a development camp following the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Kerrigan reflected on the profound impact of the tragedy, recalling the 1961 Sabena Flight 548 crash that claimed the lives of 18 members of the U.S. figure skating team en route to the world championships in Prague. In response, U.S. Figure Skating established a memorial fund to assist aspiring skaters with training expenses. Kerrigan emphasized the resilience of the skating community, stating, “Our sport has faced tragedy before, but we always come together.”
During her visit, Kerrigan spoke with reporters outside the Skating Club of Boston, visibly moved by the loss. She expressed her solidarity with the grieving families, particularly the Lane family, whose 16-year-old son Spencer had shown remarkable progress in the sport. Spencer’s journey from basic skating classes to the National Development Team was described as unprecedented, and his last week was filled with joy surrounded by his beloved skating community.
Kerrigan, a bronze medalist at the 1992 Olympics and silver medalist at the 1994 Olympics, represented the Skating Club of Boston throughout her competitive career. Other notable alumni include Dr. Tenley Albright, Dick Button, and Paul Wylie, all of whom have left indelible marks on the sport.
From a journalist's perspective, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the strength found in community. Kerrigan's actions exemplify the power of human connection and the importance of supporting one another in times of grief. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the skating community, which continues to find ways to honor its fallen members while fostering hope for future generations.