US Figure Skating Stars Honor Crash Victims

A "Legacy on Ice" benefit event was held in Washington, DC, Sunday to honor and raise funds for the 67 victims of a midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The crash, which occurred on January 29, involved an Army helicopter and an American Airlines flight and claimed 28 lives from the figure skating community.

Prominent figure skaters Kristi Yamaguchi and Brian Boitano hosted the event. Participants included skaters Johnny Weir, Amber Glenn, and Ilia Malinin. The event was organized by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, US Figure Skating, DC Fire & EMS Foundation, and the Greater Washington Community Foundation.

The benefit aimed to support grieving families and first responders who faced a challenging scene. Brian Boitano said: "We are not powerless." Ted Leonsis, head of Monumental, said: "Sports can play this convening and healing role." DC Fire and EMS Foundation executive director Amy Mauro said: "The things that they witnessed are very difficult and will stay with them for a long time."

story continues below

Performances included tributes and routines. Amber Glenn opened with Andra Day's "Rise Up." Scott Hamilton led a prayer. Isabella Aparicio and Maxim Naumov, who lost family members, both contributed emotional performances. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)