Transcript of Elite figure skaters among the lives lost in the midair collision

In that stunning moment of horror, Flight 5342 was only minutes away from landing when the lives of its 60 passengers and four crew members suddenly ended. The violent collision with the US Army Black Hawk helicopter also killing three US service members, an army captain, staff sergeant, and chief warrant officer. Sixty-seven lives lost in an instant. Last night, as friends and family of the victims prayed for a miracle, there was little hope because after that collision in the sky, both aircraft plummeted into the Potomac River, the icy waters that were only way steep in about 35 degrees. Tonight, we spoke with DC's fire chief moments before he went to meet with those victims' families. When you go into a meeting like that, what goes through your head and what do you want to tell them? They're going to ask us questions, and we're going to do our best to answer those questions with the facts. The first officer of the American Airlines' flight was Sam Lilley. His father posting he was so proud when Sam became a pilot. Also on the flight, some of the country's most promising young figure skaters who were in Wichita at a highly selective training camp.

They're our brothers and sisters, and we're all very close to each other.

The Skating Club of Boston, devastated. Six affiliated with the club perished. Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan trained with the club as a team.

Much like everyone here has been saying, is not sure how to process it. I'm sorry.

For 1956 Olympic champion, Tenly Albright, the tragedy brought back memories of the 1961 plane crash that killed 18 US figure skaters.

I really can't believe that it happened because I picture them right here.

Among those lost now, 13-year-old skater Gina Han and her mother, Jin. Gina was known for her grace and musicality on the ice.

Gina had an amazing smile. Every time you would say her name, she'd immediately give you a smile back And 16-year-old Spencer Lane, who was traveling with his mom, Christine.

Spencer was known for his jumps, chronicling his progress on TikTok.

Spencer was a fire cracker, the best way to put it. And his love for the It was unbelievable.

His final post on Instagram, this view from his plane window before takeoff.

Skating is a very close and tight knit community. It's a close, tight bond. I think for all of us, we have lost family.

Also on board, skating coaches and former World Champions, Genya Shishcova and Vadim Nomov.

Their meticulousness in developing young skaters is almost unparalleled.

The married couple leaves behind their son, Max, a skater hoping to qualify for the Winter Olympics next year.

Who I consider not just a friend, but a fierce competitor. I look at him every day and I'm like, damn, I got to do better.

Breelle Byer was only 12 years old. Her mom, Justina Magdalena, with her on the plane. Remember today at her home rink in Virginia. She's really, really talented, and they were my inspiration.

Thanks for watching.

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