The loss of lives keeps mounting, and 2025 has barely begun! This year has already seen the destructive LA Wildfire followed by the unfortunate fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya Ski Resort, and now, a disastrous plane crash too. Almost unimaginable, isn’t it? In the wake of America’s deadliest air disaster since 2001, nearly 30 bodies have been recovered till now, including a round 15 talented figure skaters. And, amid this heartbreaking tragedy, the American tennis icon and 12-time singles Grand Slam winner Billie Jean King has taken to social media to share a heartfelt message of support.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), at around 21:00 local time, a PSA Airlines jet operating as “American Airlines 5342” collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The crash sent both the plane and the helicopter plunging into the icy waters of the Potomac River, just a few miles south of the White House, triggering an immediate search-and-rescue operation. As per American Airlines, the ‘Bombardier CRJ700’, which departed from Kansas City, was carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members. On the other side, the helicopter, which took off from Fort Belvoir in Virginia, was carrying three members of the 12th Aviation Battalion. Tragically, the incident claimed the lives of nearly 67 people onboard, including all the soldiers. And, following this devastating event, former world No. 1 Billie Jean King shared her heartfelt condolences and support through social media.

Around 4 hours ago, People Magazine posted a heartfelt picture of two sisters, Everly and Alydia, who are among the victims of the plane crash, stating “A pair of sisters ages 11 and 14 are among the victims who died on the American Airlines plane that collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, D.C,”. And BJK, the tennis icon, took to her Instagram handle and shared the same on her story. She wrote, “Many young figure skating athletes are among the victims of last night’s plane crash. Thinking of and praying for all the victims and their families”.

Both Everly and Alydia Livingston are among the 67 victims who died in the plane crash incident. Both of them are members of the “Washington Figure Skating Club” and often share their figure skating schedules on social media. Additionally, as per Russian news agency TASS, Volyanskaya, a 59-year-old former pair skater who competed for the Soviet Union, was also on the plane with 60 passengers. Along with them, the victims also included six members from the ‘The Skating Club’ of Boston and others from the Washington ‘Figure Skating Club’ and the ‘University of Delaware Figure Skating Club’.

The ongoing search and recovery operation, with almost 30 bodies retrieved, underscores the devastating nature of this tragedy, which has marked the beginning of 2025. And, alongside Billie Jean King, several other athletes have also expressed their heartfelt condolences regarding the same.

Athletes and sports persons shared their condolences after the horrific plane crash incident 

No one saw this coming, least of all in one of the most controlled airspaces in the world! Regrettably, the devastating plane crash resulting in the loss of approximately 67 lives has profoundly impacted the sports world, including the tennis community. Former Team USA Olympians and athletes have joined King in expressing their condolences via social media. 

TJ Oshie, the American professional ice hockey right winger, has posted his thoughts about the incident in his X handle, stating “Sending thoughts and prayers for the people and families affected by the plane/helicopter crash over the Potomac. 💔 🙏”. Alongside him, American professional football quarterback Robert Lee Griffin III, Aka, RGIII, added, “Prayers up for everyone involved in the plane crash at DCA 🙏🏾”. 

Former US Olympic figure skating legends, including Brian Boitano, also shared their thoughts, adding, “My heart breaks for my skating family today and my thoughts and prayers go out to all those impacted by this horrible tragedy. At a loss for words for my friends, Evgenia Shishkova & Vadim Naumov and their son Maxim. 💔”. Former American figure skater and boxer Tonya Harding also posted a heartfelt message on her X account following the incident that went live on the news. “The events that took place last night in Washington, DC are absolutely devastating. 💔 I’m being told that several professional figure skaters were aboard the flight as well. Sending my love and prayers to all the victims and their families,” she added. The entire fraternity’s hopes and prayers go out the affected amidst the heavy toll of this disaster.