The United States figure skating body has confirmed that several skaters were on an American Airlines regional passenger plane that crashed near Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia.
The plane, with 64 passengers and crew, was en route to Washington, DC, from Wichita, Kansas, when it collided midair with a US Army helicopter late on Wednesday.
US Figure Skating said on Thursday that athletes, coaches and family members were returning from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the US Figure Skating Championships in Kansas.
“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” it said in a statement.
Officials have not said how many people died in the accident but have suggested there may be no survivors.
