At Least 14 U.S. Figure Skating Team Members Killed in D.C. Air Tragedy [WATCH]

At least 14 members of the U.S. Figure Skating team were among those on board an American Airlines flight that collided with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.

Authorities have confirmed that all passengers aboard the plane and the helicopter are presumed dead.

Doug Zeghibe, CEO and executive director of the Skating Club of Boston, told WCVB-TV that six members of his organization were on the flight.

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He also confirmed that eight additional members of the U.S. Figure Skating team were aboard the aircraft.

“Skating is a very close and tight-knit community. These kids and their parents — they are here at our skating facility in Norwood six, sometimes seven days a week. It is a close, tight bond, and I think for all of us, we have lost family,” Zeghibe said.

Among those on board were skaters Spencer Lane and Jinna Han, along with their mothers, Molly Lane and Jin Han.

Also on the flight were renowned coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, according to The New York Post.

Authorities have not yet released the full list of victims, but the skating community has begun to mourn the loss of its athletes and coaches.

The collision occurred at approximately 9 p.m. EST on Wednesday when an American Airlines flight carrying 60 passengers and four crew members was struck by a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter.

The helicopter was on a routine training flight when it made contact with the commercial airliner as it approached Reagan National Airport.

The impact caused an explosion, and officials believe that all individuals on both aircraft perished.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash.

Initial reports indicate that weather conditions were clear, with visibility at ten miles at the time of the accident.

Officials have not yet determined why the military aircraft failed to detect the commercial plane’s approach.

Emergency response teams continue to search the crash site, but as of now, no survivors have been located.

Investigators are working to recover flight data recorders from both aircraft, which will provide insight into the final moments before the collision.

The U.S. military and aviation authorities have not yet commented on potential causes for the crash but have pledged full cooperation with the investigation.

The U.S. Figure Skating organization is expected to release an official statement in the coming days.

The loss of so many athletes and coaches has sent shockwaves through the skating community, which had been preparing for upcoming competitions.

As authorities work to determine the circumstances that led to the tragedy, families and loved ones of those on board are awaiting further updates.

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