A routine flight turned into a nightmare when an American Airlines jet collided with a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River on Wednesday night. All 67 people aboard the plane were killed, leaving no survivors.

By Thursday, search teams, including divers, had begun recovering bodies from the icy waters. Among those lost were figure skaters from the United States and Russia who had attended the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.

Alexandr “Sasha” Kirsanov, a Delawared-based coach perished alongside his students, Angela Yang and Sean Kay. The coach’s wife, Natalia Gudin, confirmed their deaths. Speaking from Washington, D.C., where she was staying temporarily, Gudin shared that her husband’s body had yet to be recovered.

“We always use American Airlines when we go to competition,” Gudin said. “This time they go without me, and all of them are gone.” Through tears, Gudin recalled learning of the crash and the devastating loss of the promising young skaters.

“This young team, Sean Kay and Angela Yang, they were so amazing,” Gudin said. “All the judges were so proud and they had such a big future. And what, all on the same plane?” “For me, it’s a triple” loss, she added.

A Dream Cut Short: The Skating Journey of Angela Yang and Sean Kay

Angela and Sean were a duo destined for greatness. At just 11 years old, they had already left a mark on the world of figure skating. They won the first place in the Juvenile Dance PD 1 category at the 2025 Midwestern Sectional U.S. Ice Dance Final.

Their dedication, talent, and passion for the sport made them a promising pair in competitive ice dancing. Angela’s love for skating began as a solo dancer, but she always dreamed of having a partner. She wanted someone who could match her energy.

That dream led her mother, Lily, to make a bold decision. She packed up their life in Maryland and moved to Delaware, where Angela could train under some of the best coaches in the country. To support her daughter’s ambitions, Lily homeschooled Angela, ensuring that she could dedicate as much time as possible to perfecting her craft.

Angela’s father remained in China, working tirelessly to support his family from afar while his wife single-handedly raised three children.

For Sean, skating was a family affair. The second oldest of four siblings, he first laced up his skates because of his older sister. But it didn’t take long before he was outpacing not just 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 beyond juvenile and intermediate levels. He had plans to advance to junior solo dance while continuing to compete with Angela in intermediate next 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, making sure he had the time, training, and encouragement to chase his dreams.

Angela and Sean’s victory at the 2025 Midwestern Sectional Final was only the beginning. That future, filled with possibility, 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.