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U.S. Figure Skaters Among Dozens Believed Dead In DC Black Hawk, Plane Crash: Reports

Figure skaters, family members, and their coaches were among the 64 people believed dead in a crash between a military helicopter and American Airlines plane in Washington DC on Wednesday, Jan. 29, according to U.S. Figure Skating and rescue officials.

Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly provides an update at a press conference Thursday morning, Jan. 30.

Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly provides an update at a press conference Thursday morning, Jan. 30.

Photo Credit: Mayor Muriel Bowser/Daily Voice photo

At least 27 bodies had been recovered and officials said they did not believe there were any survivors in the crash near Reagan National Airport, 

Authorities have switched to a "recovery effort," with more than 300 responders battling frigid temps, wind, and icy waters for hours overnight, Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly said on Thursday, Jan. 30.

The US Army Black Hawk helicopter was carrying three soldiers and the plane was carrying 64 people. Both crashed in the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport.

In a statement to Olympics.com, U.S. Figure Skating said:

"Several members of our skating community were sadly aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter yesterday evening in Washington, D.C. These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas," the statement said, adding: "We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available."

The New York Times, citing U.S. Figure Skating, says the skaters had been returning from a training camp in Wichita, KS. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov said Russian figure skaters and citizens were also on the plane.

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