Local News
U.S. Figure Skaters and Coaches killed in American Eagle Flight 5342 crash identified
At least 11 young skaters and their coaches were reportedly among the passengers.
A devastating midair collision occurred Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, involving American Eagle Flight 5342 and a military helicopter over the Potomac River.
Among those onboard the flight were numerous skaters, coaches, and their families, many of whom were returning from the National Development Camp following the 2025 U.S.
Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
Skaters Confirmed to Be on Board:
- Spencer Lane
- Jinna Han
- Eddie Zhou
- Everly Livingston
- Lydia Livingston
- Franco Aparicio
- Sean Kay
- Angela Yang
- Vadim Naumov
- Evgenia Shishkova
- Inna Volyanskaya
The full passenger list has yet to be confirmed by the airline, but sources close to the figure skating community have verified that several U.S. National Development Team skaters were on the flight.
At least 11 young skaters and their coaches were reportedly among the passengers.
Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines on behalf of American Airlines, was an Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet, carrying 64 passengers and four crew members.
The aircraft was en route from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) to Washington, D.C. (DCA) when it collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter during its approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport.
The crash led to an immediate suspension of all air traffic at the airport.
Emergency responders received the first report of the crash at 8:48 p.m. ET, with the first rescue teams arriving at 8:58 p.m. ET.
Over 300 first responders were deployed to the scene, working to recover victims from the wreckage.
Rescue divers discovered multiple passengers still strapped into their seats underwater.
At least 19 fatalities have been confirmed so far, with ongoing search and rescue efforts continuing through the night.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, confirming the airline is working closely with investigators.
The FBIโs Washington Field Office is assisting in the response but has stated that no indications of criminal or terrorist involvement have been found.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser released a statement offering condolences and urging the public to respect the privacy of affected families.
The skating community is in mourning as the tragedy unfolds. Friends, family members, and colleagues of the skaters and coaches onboard have taken to social media, expressing their heartbreak and praying for survivors.
Journalist Bill Melugin shared that a close friend of his lost his wife in the crash, leaving behind two young children, ages 3 and 1. โOur friend group is with him for support,โ he said, noting the agonizing uncertainty due to conflicting survivor reports.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the collision or whether any distress signals were sent prior to impact.
Officials urge the public to refrain from speculation and await confirmed updates as rescue and recovery operations continue.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at UrbanaโChampaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. โ A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coronerโs Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coronerโs Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguezโs death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguezโs death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.