Virginia ice skating coach remembers ex-wife killed in DC plane crash
VA skating community remembers plane crash victims
Ice rinks across Northern Virginia have become places of mourning as friends and families tried to cope with the devastating loss. At SkateQuest in Reston, Virginia, FOX 5's Sierra Fox spoke with an ice skating coach who lost his ex-wife in the horrific accident.
Heartbreak is rippling through the local ice skating community after a tragic midair collision over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.
On Thursday night, ice rinks across Northern Virginia became places of mourning as friends and families tried to cope with the devastating loss.
At SkateQuest in Reston, Virginia, FOX 5 spoke with an ice skating coach who lost his ex-wife in the horrific accident.
"When these kids go to development team, it’s a huge honor. It’s very few kids in the country that get that opportunity," said Ross Lansel, SkateQuest Coach. "It’s the top kids in the country. They train with the best coaches and skaters. It’s a great achievement. Then you fly home, and this happens — it’s absolutely devastating."
Lansel remembers his ex-wife as a phenomenal figure skater and inspirational instructor. Video footage shows her teaching young skaters during a past event.
Details of the crash
The backstory:
American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a military helicopter Wednesday night, resulting in catastrophic loss.
The flight had 60 passengers and four crew members aboard, along with three soldiers on the helicopter.
D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly confirmed Thursday morning that there were no survivors.
Fairfax County Public Schools stated that three students and six parents were among those killed, including two FCPS staff members.
The victims were returning home from a figure skating event held alongside the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
Skating community in mourning
Local perspective:
For the Virginia skating community, the tragedy is unfathomable. Many victims dedicated their lives to the sport and to building lifelong friendships.
The Salvation Army arrived at SkateQuest to offer support to those grieving.
"We were called to come here to provide spiritual support and to feed anyone affected. We’ve been doing that from 2 o’clock to 6 o’clock." said Captain Jowens Merone, Salvation Army – Fairfax County.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims, ensuring families are notified first.
People in Virginia respond to DC plane crash
Community members in Northern Virginia share condolences and well wishes following the news of the deadly D.C. plane crash.
The loss has deeply impacted rinks nationwide, including at Ashburn Ice House, where reports suggest a coach and two young sisters were among the victims. However, official confirmation is still pending.
Alexis Winch, 10, remembers her friends fondly: "My favorite memory with her [one of the siblings] was when we were sitting together watching Nationals. We were just talking and having fun."
Her father, Jeff Winch, added: "It’s a rollercoaster. Today she said to my wife on the way to school, ‘I don’t know how to feel.’ We told her, ‘Whatever you do, try and feel.’"
A growing memorial
All day long, skaters, families, and coaches gathered at Ashburn Ice House to grieve, leave flowers, and pay their respects.
The rink’s management stated they would wait for an official list from the National Transportation Safety Board before confirming names of those lost in the crash.
This remains a developing story, and FOX 5 will provide updates as more information becomes available.