U.S. figure skater Spencer Lane’s family is mourning a tragic loss.
The 16-year-old skater from Rhode Island and his mother Christine Lane, 49, were among the 60 passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 when it tragically crashed into the Potomac River after colliding with an army helicopter Jan. 29.
The two, hoping to get the aspiring Olympian one step closer to competing in the Games, were on their way back from a National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas.
“I am so happy to have qualified for national development camp earlier in November,” Spencer wrote in an Instagram post moments before takeoff, “it has been my goal almost ever since I became aware that it was a thing. I learned so much new information that I can apply to my everyday life, and met so many amazing people!”
But less than 24 hours after they were involved in the horrific collision near Ronal Reagan Washington National Airport, President Donald Trump confirmed that there are no survivors from the devastating plane crash.
Their family, along with the families of other American figure skaters, Russian figure skaters including former World champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov and community members of both Kansas and Washington D.C. were left to carry on the memories of their fallen loved ones.
“We’re still in a state of shock down here,” Spencer’s grandfather Wayne Conrad told People Jan. 31. “They were greatly appreciated when we had them with us and there were lovely people, creative forces in their own way, Christine in photography and graphic arts and Spencer and creative endeavors as in figure skating competitively.”
Conrad went on to explain that both of Spencer’s parents, including his father Doug Lane, “supported him a hundred percent in this endeavor.” And Doug shared a few heartbreaking words about their family’s “devastating” loss.
"Spencer can only be described as a force of nature,” Doug, who is also dad to Spencer’s younger brother Milo, said in a statement. “You simply could not stop him if he decided he wanted to do something. There is no better example of this than his remarkable skating journey, which we are heartbroken to see end too soon. He truly loved it, and his ascent from basic Learn to Skate classes to U.S. Figure Skating’s National Development Team in just a few short years was unprecedented.”
But while he mourned the loss of his passionate and talented son, he found comfort in the fact that Spencer had the opportunity to courageously pursue his dreams until the end.
"We are so grateful that his last week was filled with joy and surrounded by his beloved Skating Club of Boston and the U.S. Figure Skating family,” he continued. “We are also hurting so much from the loss of Spencer’s talented and kind coaches, Genia and Vadim, and all of the wonderful friends Christine and Spencer were sharing their journey with.”
Keep reading for everything to know about the American Airlines collision.
What Happened to the Passengers on American Airlines Flight 5342?
On the evening of Jan. 29, American Airlines flight 5342 traveling from Witchita, Kan., to Washington, D.C. collided with a United States Army Black Hawk helicopter near the Reagan Washington National Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed on X, formerly known as Twitter. The plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members and the helicopter, which had three people aboard, crashed into the Potomac River.
The passenger jet, a Canadian-made Bombardier CRJ-700 series twin-engine jet, was operated by American Airlines' subsidiary airline, PSA Airlines.
What was first a rescue mission became a recovery operation, with all 67 passengers in both aircraft being confirmed dead.
"Our hearts are with the victims’ families as they navigate this tragic loss," Washington, D.C., officials shared in a statement Feb. 4. “We extend our deepest condolences and remain committed to supporting them through this difficult time."
The National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation, is still putting the pieces together but said in an update that data from air traffic control showed the helicopter appeared to be higher than the 200-foot ceiling allowed for its route.
"This data showed the Black Hawk was at 300 feet on the air traffic control display at the time of the collision. the NTSB said in a Feb. 4 investigation update. "This data is rounded to the nearest 100 feet.”
Who Was Onboard American Airlines Flight 5342?
Among the 60 passengers were 28 American figure skaters, coaches and family members who were at a camp in Wichita, Kan., according to U.S. Figure Skating.
"These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships," the governing body shared in a statement obtained by NBC News. "We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims' families closely in our hearts."
World champion Russian figure skating duo Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who wed in 1995, were also onboard, the sport's governing body confirmed.
Hamaad Raza, whose wife was also on the American Airlines flight, was waiting for her at the international airport.
"I'm just praying that somebody's pulling her out of the river right now as we speak," he told CBS affiliate WUSA9. "That's all I can pray for. I'm just praying to God."
Soon-to-be Howard University School of Law professor Kiah Duggins was also a passenger on the flight. The university shared that the civil rights attorney, who earned her J.D. from Havard Law School, was set to join Howard's faculty this fall.
Who Was Onboard the U.S. Army Helicopter Involved in the Collision?
The helicopter was from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion out of Davison Army Airfield in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Public Affairs Deputy Director for Joint Task Force-National Capital Region/Military District of Washington Ron McLendon II confirmed to NBC News.
The official shared that the aircraft was in the middle of a training mission at the time of the collision.
The passengers onboard were identified as Capt. Rebecca Lobach, 28, Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Eaves, 39, and Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O'Hara, 28.
What Happens Next After Recover Efforts for American Airlines Flight 5342?
The FAA, U.S. Army and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the collision, with the latter taking the lead. The Pentagon has also initiated its own investigation.
While there are still more questions than answers, former NTSB and FAA investigator Jeff Guzzetti told Today that the air traffic control communications that night are "going to be scrutinized by the NTSB, that controller will be interviewed and the radar data will be looked at by the NTSB."
As of Feb. 4, NTSB investigators are continuing to transcribe the cockpit voice recorders for both aircraft, they confirmed in an update. The NTSB, in collaboration with the Naval Sea Systems Command Supervisor of Salvage and Diving , are continuing to recover the wreckage from the Potomac River.
Who Has Spoken Out After American Airlines Flight 5342 Crashed Into the Potomac River?
President Donald J. Trump shared his condolences about the tragedy.
"I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport," the White House statement said. "May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."
Ilia Malinin, the men's figure skater who won his third consecutive U.S. figure skating title in Witchita Jan. 26, confirmed he was not onboard the flight. He wrote on his Instagram Stories, "I hope and pray for everyone who was on that flight is OK."
Wichita Mayor Lily Wu also expressed her grief, saying at a press conference that their "hearts are heavy as a city."
"We mourn with all those who have been impacted," she said. "This is a terrible tragedy that will unite those in Washington, D.C., and Wichita, Kansas, forever."
Two-time Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan shared an emotional message to reporters about the crash that claimed the lives of six skaters from Skating Club of Boston, where the athlete also formerly trained.
"I just wanted to be here and be part of our community," Kerrigan said through tears. "When you find out you know some of the people on the plane, it’s an even bigger blow.”