A devastating tragedy struck the nation this week as the deadliest plane crash in the United States in 24 years claimed the lives of 67 individuals. The catastrophic mid-air collision has left an immense void, particularly in the figure skating community, as two of its youngest and most promising athletes, 11-year-old Angela Yang and 12-year-old Sean Kay, were among the victims. Their untimely passing has left an indelible mark, reminding everyone how quickly life can change in an instant.
The crash occurred on the night of January 29 when a regional jet, having just taken off from Wichita, Kansas, was on its approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Tragically, it collided mid-air with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter at approximately 9 p.m. Reports confirmed that there were no survivors among the 67 individuals involved in the accident.
Among those lost were Angela Yang and Sean Kay, a young and talented ice dance pair who had been making waves in the competitive skating world. A Facebook obituary posted by a figure skating organization described the duo as “undefeated in juvenile ice dance this season,” highlighting their exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. Recently, they had secured first place in multiple categories at the 2025 Midwestern Sectional Singles and U.S. Ice Dance Competition in Texas, further cementing their reputation as rising stars in juvenile ice dance. Their achievements were remarkable, and their future in the sport was incredibly bright.
Angela Yang, just 11 years old, discovered her love for skating at an early age, inspired by her siblings’ enthusiasm for ice hockey. Her natural talent and relentless determination quickly set her apart. Initially starting as a solo dancer, she always envisioned herself thriving as part of a duo. To support her dream, Angela’s mother, Lily, made the difficult decision to relocate from Maryland to Delaware, where she began homeschooling her daughter to allow her more time to train. Meanwhile, Angela’s father remained in China while Lily focused on raising their three children and nurturing Angela’s aspirations. The sacrifices made by her family reflected their deep commitment to her skating career, making her loss even more heartbreaking.
Sean Kay, 12, was also an incredibly talented young skater. The second oldest of four siblings, all of whom skated competitively, Sean had a natural ability on the ice that quickly set him apart. Following in the footsteps of his older sister, he rapidly surpassed his peers, achieving national success in solo dance competitions at the juvenile and intermediate levels. His impressive progression suggested he was on the path to a remarkable career in the sport. With plans to compete at the junior level in solo dance while continuing his ice dance partnership with Angela in the intermediate category next season, Sean’s future was full of promise. His hard work and dedication had already earned him significant recognition, including first place in the 2023 Excel Series Final in the Excel Juvenile Plus Boys category, as announced by the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club.
In the hours leading up to the tragic crash, Angela shared her excitement about her time in Wichita, Kansas, on Instagram. She expressed her joy at having spent time with her friends and coaches, writing, “I’m really gonna miss my friends and all the amazing coaches! I can’t wait for next year!” Tragically, those would be her final words to the world. Her post, now deeply poignant, serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how fleeting life can be.
Since the announcement of their passing, videos of Angela and Sean’s performances have gone viral, captivating audiences with their artistry, skill, and undeniable chemistry on the ice. Their talent and dedication resonated with figure skating fans across the country, making their loss even more profound. The young skaters were traveling with their coach, 46-year-old Alexandr ‘Sasha’ Kirsanov, who also perished in the crash. Kirsanov, a beloved mentor in the figure skating community, had played a crucial role in shaping their careers.
Natalia Gudin, the widow of Kirsanov, shared her deep sorrow with Delaware Online, expressing not only her grief over losing her husband but also her devastation over the loss of two young skaters she had come to love as family. “We always fly with American Airlines for competitions. This time, they’re going without me, and now they’re all gone,” she said, struggling to hold back tears. “This young team – Sean Kay and Angela Yang – was truly remarkable. The judges were so impressed, and they had such bright futures ahead. And they were all on the same flight?” She paused, overwhelmed by grief. “For me, it feels like a triple loss.”
Angela, Sean, and Kirsanov were not the only members of the skating community on that ill-fated flight. Also among the victims were 13-year-old Jinna Han and 16-year-old Spencer Lane from Boston, both traveling with their mothers. The tragic accident also claimed the lives of the 1994 World Champion pair, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, whose legacy in the sport will be forever cherished.
Additionally, Pennsylvania news station WTAJ reported that Donna Smojice Livingston, her husband Peter, and their two daughters, Everly, 14, and Alydia, 11—both competitive skaters—were also on board American Airlines Flight 5342.
This heartbreaking tragedy is a sobering reminder of life’s fragility. The figure skating community, along with the families, friends, and countless admirers of these young athletes, will forever cherish their memories. Angela and Sean represented the very best of their sport—unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and boundless enthusiasm. Their bright futures were taken far too soon, leaving an immeasurable loss in their wake.
As the nation mourns this profound tragedy, we must also celebrate the incredible commitment and joy these young skaters brought to those around them. Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes who dream of following in their footsteps. The thoughts of the entire skating community, and indeed the entire nation, are with their families and loved ones during this heartbreaking time.
