The figure skating world mourns the loss of two young, promising athletes, Everly and Alydia Livingston, who tragically perished alongside their parents in a mid-air collision over the Potomac River. The fourteen and eleven-year-old sisters, affectionately known as the “Ice Skating Sisters,” were returning home to Ashburn, Virginia, from the US Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, where they had participated in the National Development Camp. Their vibrant presence on and off the ice, captured in videos and social media posts, now serves as a poignant reminder of their truncated potential and the devastating loss to their family, friends, and the skating community.
Everly, in a premonition of her aspirations, had shared her dream of representing Team USA in a video interview just a year before the accident. This heartfelt declaration underscored her dedication and passion for the sport, a sentiment echoed by her coaches and fellow skaters. While described as shy and reserved off the ice, Everly transformed into a dynamic and accomplished skater, achieving sectional champion status at both the intermediate and juvenile levels. Her younger sister, Alydia, shared her love for figure skating, and together, they formed an integral part of the Washington Figure Skating Club. Their synchronized routines, often showcased on social media, reflected their bond and shared commitment to their craft.
Their final Instagram post, published just days before the crash, exuded the sisters’ characteristic blend of youthful enthusiasm and competitive spirit. Posing in front of the Wichita ice rink, they playfully challenged US Figure Skating to handle the “Livingston power” at Nationals, a testament to their unwavering confidence and dedication. Just hours before the tragedy, Everly’s coach, Inna Volyanskaya, posted a congratulatory message celebrating her and her partner’s second year at the National Development Camp, highlighting their hard work and impressive start to the year. These posts now serve as heartbreaking reminders of the bright futures that were tragically cut short.
The mid-air collision involved American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter. The plane, en route from Wichita to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, was preparing to land when it collided with the helicopter approximately 400 feet above the Potomac River. The accident resulted in the loss of all 64 individuals on board the plane, including passengers and crew, and the three soldiers aboard the helicopter. Among the passengers were fourteen members of the US Figure Skating community, including the Livingston family, returning from the National Development Camp.
The figure skating community has been deeply affected by this tragedy, with US Figure Skating issuing a statement expressing their devastation and extending condolences to the victims’ families. The loss of these young, talented athletes, along with their parents and other members of the skating community, has left a void in the hearts of many. Their memories will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of skaters, serving as a reminder of the passion and dedication that define the sport.
The Livingston sisters’ story serves as a poignant illustration of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Their dedication to their craft, their vibrant spirit, and their unwavering dreams will forever be remembered by those who knew them. The outpouring of grief and support from the figure skating community and beyond underscores the impact these young athletes had on the world around them, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire. Their story is a testament to the power of dreams, the importance of family, and the enduring spirit of young athletes pursuing their passions.
