Young ice skating sisters lost life in D.C. plane crash
The United States is still grappling with the aftermath of the most catastrophic aviation accident in decades.
Sixty-seven individuals perished in the heartbreaking plane crash near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night. Among the victims were sisters Everly and Alydia Livingston, along with their parents, Donna and Peter.
The Livingston family was just one of many who lost their lives in this harrowing tragedy.
Final Social Media Post
According to Pennsylvania news outlet WTAJ, Donna Smojice Livingston, her spouse Peter, and their two daughters—14-year-old Everly and 11-year-old Alydia—were passengers on American Airlines Flight 5342.
As reported by Daily Mail, Everly and Alydia were gifted figure skaters who belonged to the Washington Figure Skating Club. They honed their skills at the Ashburn Ice House, a well-known training facility for skaters in Virginia.
Mere days before the accident, their father captured a snapshot of them in Kansas—one of many treasured moments showcasing their enthusiasm for life and their sport.
The girls’ passion for skating wasn’t confined to the ice; they gained popularity on social media as the adored duo known as the “Ice Skating Sisters.”
Their final Instagram update, posted just five days before the devastating crash, displayed the two grinning beside the ice rink at the championships, proudly sporting their ‘athlete’ identification tags.
"If you take a close look at Alydia’s badge… We were born ready for this,” the caption read. “But is @usfigureskating prepared for this much Livingston at Nationals?”
Last year, Everly, then 13, spoke with FOX 5 DC about her accomplishments in figure skating, swiftly making a name for herself in the sport. In an emotional interview, she reflected on the challenges and beauty of skating while sharing her aspirations for the future.
"My dream is to become part of Team USA and compete across the globe," she said, her face glowing with excitement.
A Friend Remembers
U.S. Figure Skating confirmed that several members of their community were aboard the ill-fated flight, leading to an outpouring of tributes. A growing memorial at the Ashburn Ice House stands as a testament to the deep sorrow felt by those who knew them.
"Our deepest sympathies are with everyone impacted," the management of the Ashburn Ice House stated. "The figure skating world is a tight-knit global family, and our hearts are shattered."
The Nittany Valley Figure Skating Club also expressed its sorrow in an online post, saying, “Many of us have lost dear friends. During our next Club Ice session, we will observe a moment of silence in remembrance of those we lost.”
Cassandra Atkins, a designer from Australia, had a special connection with the Livingston family. Through her business, Frozen Couture, she designed custom skating costumes for the sisters. Although they never met face-to-face, she and Donna frequently communicated, exchanging pictures and videos of Everly and Alydia.
Donna worked for Comcast, while Peter was employed as a real estate agent. Friends described them as exceptionally devoted parents, navigating the complexities of raising two young athletes while frequently traveling between states such as New Jersey, Michigan, and Virginia for competitions.
"Donna was the ultimate mother," Atkins told WFLA. "Her daughters meant everything to her. They adored eye-catching outfits and always radiated happiness on the ice."
Atkins also recalled that the sisters were constantly in motion, even when they weren’t skating.
"If they weren’t on the ice, they were on roller skates—or they’d attach wheels to their shoes. They were always finding ways to stay active."
Worst Air Disaster in 24 Years
The fatal crash transpired when an American Airlines aircraft collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter conducting a training mission. The commercial plane, which was on its final approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport, lost control and plunged into the Potomac River after the impact. It was the most deadly aviation incident in the U.S. in nearly 24 years.
A significant number of passengers on the doomed flight—traveling from Kansas—were members of the figure skating community, including athletes, coaches, and their families. The Skating Club of Boston confirmed that six of its members, including 1994 World Champion pairs skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were among the deceased.
Ice rinks up and down the East Coast are now mourning the loss of their skaters.
As authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances behind the crash, communities across the country are grieving Everly, Alydia, and all the others whose lives ended too soon. Their lively spirits and unwavering passion for figure skating will live on in the hearts of many.
