At just 11 years old, Angela Yang and Sean Kay were already shining stars in the world of figure skating, their talent and dedication propelling them to victory in a major competition. But their bright futures were tragically cut short by a devastating accident that has left the skating community and the world in mourning.
On a fateful Wednesday night, a routine flight turned into an unimaginable nightmare when an American Airlines jet collided with a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River. The crash claimed the lives of all 67 people on board, leaving no survivors. Among the victims were young figure skaters from the United States and Russia who had recently competed at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.
Search and rescue teams, including divers, worked tirelessly in the icy waters to recover bodies from the wreckage. Among those lost were Alexandr “Sasha” Kirsanov, a Delaware-based coach, and his students, Angela Yang and Sean Kay. Sasha’s wife, Natalia Gudin, confirmed their deaths from Washington, D.C., where she was staying temporarily. She shared that her husband’s body had not yet been recovered, her voice trembling with grief.
“We always use American Airlines when we go to competitions,” Gudin said. “This time they went without me, and now all of them are gone.” Through tears, she reflected on the immense potential of the young skaters. “This young team, Sean Kay and Angela Yang, they were so amazing. All the judges were so proud of them, and they had such a big future ahead. And now, all of them on the same plane? For me, it’s a triple loss,” she added, her words heavy with sorrow.
Angela and Sean were a duo destined for greatness. At just 11 years old, they had already made their mark in the competitive world of figure skating, winning first place in the Juvenile Dance PD 1 category at the 2025 Midwestern Sectional U.S. Ice Dance Final. Their passion, talent, and dedication made them a promising pair in the sport, and their journey was only just beginning.
Angela’s love for skating started as a solo dancer, but she always dreamed of finding a partner who could match her energy and ambition. That dream led her mother, Lily, to make a life-changing decision. She uprooted their family from Maryland and moved to Delaware, where Angela could train under some of the best coaches in the country. To support her daughter’s aspirations, Lily homeschooled Angela, ensuring she had the time and focus to perfect her craft. Meanwhile, Angela’s father remained in China, working tirelessly to support his family from afar while his wife single-handedly raised their three children.
For Sean, skating was a family affair. The second oldest of four siblings, he first stepped onto the ice because of his older sister. But it wasn’t long before he surpassed not only her but also his peers. By the time he reached the juvenile level, Sean was dominating solo dance competitions across the country. His talent was undeniable, and his ambitions stretched far beyond his current level. He had plans to advance to junior solo dance while continuing to compete with Angela in intermediate competitions the following season.
Sean’s mother, Julia, a dedicated night nurse, homeschooled all four of her children while juggling long shifts at the hospital. She was his biggest supporter, ensuring he had the time, training, and encouragement to chase his dreams. Julia’s unwavering dedication was a testament to her belief in her son’s potential.
Angela and Sean’s victory at the 2025 Midwestern Sectional Final was just the beginning of what promised to be a remarkable journey. But that future, filled with endless possibilities, was tragically stolen from them. They were aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, traveling home after attending a developmental skating camp in Wichita. Also on the flight were their devoted mothers, Lily and Julia, who had always been by their side. Angela is survived by her father and two siblings, while Sean leaves behind his father and three siblings.
The tragedy extended far beyond Angela and Sean. The figure skating world is now mourning the loss of multiple athletes, coaches, and family members who were on board the flight. Among the victims was 16-year-old skater Spencer Lane, along with his mother and two Russian coaches from the Skating Club of Boston. Jinna Han, a 13-year-old rising talent from Mansfield, was also among those lost. She was traveling with her mother, Jin, and fellow skaters from Boston when the crash claimed their lives.
The devastating accident has cast a dark shadow over the sport, sending shockwaves through the U.S. Figure Skating community. Golden Skate, a figure skating news site, reported that the organization confirmed multiple members of its athlete and coaching network were among the victims. The loss also includes two highly respected Russian coaches, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, whose deaths have left a significant void in the international figure skating scene. Longtime friend and renowned coach Rafael Arutyunyan expressed his grief, noting that he had chosen to remain in California while his skaters competed in Wichita, sparing him from the tragedy.
As news of the crash spread, grief-stricken families and friends turned to social media to express their sorrow and honor the lives lost. One devastated family member shared a moving tribute on Facebook: “My heart is broken tonight at the loss of my cousin Roger Haynos, his wife Stephanie Branton Haynos, and their son Cory. They were killed in the plane crash last night near Washington, D.C.”
Social media was flooded with tributes from people around the world, mourning the victims and expressing their heartbreak. “So sad. They were so young 💔,” one person wrote in remembrance of Angela and Sean. Another added, “May their memories be forever a blessing.” Many expressed sorrow over the loss of such talented skaters, with one commenter sharing, “My Gd, they were so incredibly talented. What a devastating loss in every way [sic].” Others struggled to put their emotions into words, with one writing, “OMG, how heartbreaking. I’m devastated,” and another sympathizing, “Wow… that is just incredibly sad. Sending love to all their families 💔 heartbreaking.”
The tragedy has left an indelible mark on the figure skating community and beyond. As recovery operations continue, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash, hoping to provide answers to the grieving families and the skating world. In the meantime, the memories of Angela, Sean, and all those lost will live on, their dreams and achievements forever etched in the hearts of those who knew and admired them.