Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding calls loss in airline collision ‘absolutely devastating’

January 30, 2025
2,636 Views


Two-time U.S. Olympian Tonya Harding joined many others in the figure skating community to speak out after it was revealed that several members of U.S. Figure Skating were among the victims feared dead following an American Airlines collision with an Army helicopter late Wednesday night. 

Harding, who had joined X just a day earlier, posted a message in response to the “devastating” news that 67 people on board American Airlines Flight 5342 and a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter were killed during a collision near Reagan Washington National Airport, near D.C., at around 9 p.m. local time. 

Figure skater Tonya Harding

Figure Skater Tonya Harding of the United States competes in a figure skating competition circa 1992. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) (Focus on Sport)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

“The events that took place last night in Washington, DC are absolutely devastating,” Harding’s post read.  

“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.” 

First responders recovered at least 28 bodies from the icy waters of the Potomac River on Thursday. Officials said there were 64 people on board the commercial flight, including four crew members. Three soldiers were aboard the helicopter.  

FIGURE SKATING COMMUNITY MOURNS VICTIMS OF DEADLY PLANE CRASH COLLISION: ‘AT A LOSS FOR WORDS’ 

A US Park Police helicopter flies over the Potomac River

A U.S. Park Police helicopter flies over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Arlington, Va.   (Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo)

“We don’t believe there are any survivors,” John Donnelly, the fire chief in the nation’s capital said. “We are now at the point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.”

U.S. Figure Skating released a statement confirming that “several members of our skating community” were aboard the flight. The organization said they were returning home from a development camp being held after the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, which concluded on Sunday. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding avoiding one another on the ice

FILE – U.S. figure skaters Tonya Harding (L) and Nancy Kerrigan avoid each other during a training session in Hamar, Norway, during the 1994 Winter Olympics.  (Vincent Amalvy/AFP via Getty Images)

Harding’s post comes a day after she joined the popular social media platform, a move that was met by some controversy. Harding’s career was notably marred by her connection to the 1994 attack on her rival, Nancy Kerrigan, which was plotted by Harding’s ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.





Source link

You may be interested

Top Stories
shares3,398 views

China military helicopter flies within 10 feet of Philippines patrol plane over South China Sea

new admin - Feb 18, 2025

Over the Scarborough Shoal, South China Sea — A Chinese navy helicopter flew within 10 feet of a Philippine patrol plane…

M&S £30 trousers are a ‘comfortable alternative to jeans’
Fashion
shares2,799 views
Fashion
shares2,799 views

M&S £30 trousers are a ‘comfortable alternative to jeans’

new admin - Feb 18, 2025

[ad_1] Marks and Spencer customers are snapping up a pair of wide-leg trousers that have been hailed as 'very comfortable'…

‘My partner is 42 years older than me – there’s one big perk with dating older blokes’
Lifestyle
shares3,111 views
Lifestyle
shares3,111 views

‘My partner is 42 years older than me – there’s one big perk with dating older blokes’

new admin - Feb 18, 2025

Age gap couple Tiffany and Jim say they have faced criticism over their 42-year age difference. Despite this Tiffany insists…