Emotional Figure Skating Event in Washington Honors Victims of DC Plane Crash -

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March 3, Washington: A deeply moving figure skating event in Washington, D.C., brought tears and heartfelt tributes as skaters and spectators came together to honor the victims of the tragic midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The “Legacy on Ice” benefit show, held on Sunday, featured some of the nation’s top figure skaters, past and present, who performed to raise funds and pay homage to the 67 lives lost in the January 29 disaster, including 28 members of the figure skating community.

The atmosphere was charged with emotion as skaters took to the ice to remember loved ones and colleagues. Maxim Naumov delivered a poignant performance dedicated to his parents, kneeling in tears at the end of his routine. As he skated off the ice, he wiped away tears and held an electric candle aloft, met with thunderous applause from the audience. Amber Glenn and 13-year-old Isabella Aparicio also broke down after their performances, with Aparicio skating in memory of her brother, Franco, and father, Luciano, who perished in the crash.

“There was not a dry eye to be found anywhere,” said pairs skater Madison Chock, capturing the collective sentiment of the evening. The audience joined in the emotional tribute, lighting up the arena with their cell phones during a moment of silence, creating a sea of light that symbolized hope and remembrance.

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The tragedy, which occurred when an Army helicopter collided with an American Airlines flight over the Potomac River, sent shockwaves through the close-knit figure skating community. Many of the victims were skaters, coaches, and their families, some of whom lived and trained in the Washington area. The event aimed to provide solace and support to those grieving while raising funds for the victims’ families.

Evan Bates, who, along with Chock, won an Olympic gold in Beijing in 2022, reflected on the importance of the gathering. “Everyone grieves in their own way, and the last month has been really challenging for a lot of us to grapple with the magnitude of this loss,” he said. “Coming together today and doing something tangible like a show will give people, hopefully, a little glimmer of hope and a little light for that next step forward.”

The “Legacy on Ice” event not only celebrated the lives of those lost but also highlighted the resilience and unity of the figure skating community. As skaters and spectators alike shared in their grief and hope, the evening served as a powerful reminder of the strength found

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