Young ice skating sisters killed in D.C. plane crash

The United States is still grappling with the aftermath of the most catastrophic aviation incident in recent decades. A total of sixty-seven individuals lost their lives in the tragic plane crash in D.C. on Wednesday night, including sisters Everly and Alydia Livingston, along with their parents, Donna and Peter.

The Livingston family was among the numerous victims of this heartbreaking event.

Final social media update
According to Pennsylvania-based news outlet WTAJ, Donna Smojice Livingston, her husband Peter, and their two daughters, Everly, aged 14, and Alydia, aged 11, were passengers on American Airlines Flight 5342.

Everly and Alydia were accomplished figure skaters and members of the Washington Figure Skating Club, as reported by the Daily Mail. They practiced at the Ashburn Ice House, a central location for their local skating community in Virginia.

Just days prior to the crash, their father captured a photograph of the girls in Kansas, preserving one of many treasured memories of their enthusiasm for life and skating. The sisters’ passion for skating transcended the rink, earning them recognition on social media as the cherished “Ice Skating Sisters.”

Their final Instagram post, made merely five days before the tragic incident, showcased the sisters beaming in front of the ice rink at the championships, proudly displaying their ‘athlete’ lanyards.

“If you look closely at Alydia’s badge… We were born ready for this,” the caption stated. “But is @usfigureskating ready for this much Livingston at Nationals?”

Just last year, 13-year-old Everly spoke with FOX 5 DC about her accomplishments on the ice, quickly establishing herself as an emerging talent in the figure skating arena. In a heartfelt interview, she reflected on the challenges and beauty of the sport, sharing her aspirations for the future.

“My goals are to actually be a part of Team USA and travel around the world,” she expressed, radiating a bright smile.
Family friend recalls cherished moments
U.S. Figure Skating has confirmed that several individuals from their community were aboard the ill-fated flight, leading to an outpouring of tributes. A growing memorial at the Ashburn Ice House signifies the profound effect of this tragedy.

“The management of Ashburn Ice House extends our deepest sympathies to all those impacted,” they stated. “The figure skating community is a tightly-knit, global family, and our hearts are shattered.”

The Nittany Valley Figure Skating Club also conveyed their sorrow through a social media message, noting, “Many of us have lost dear friends. We will observe a moment of silence at our next Club Ice to honor those we have lost.”

Cassandra Atkins, a family friend and designer from Australia, crafted custom skating outfits for the girls through her business, Frozen Couture. Although she never met the family face-to-face, she maintained a close connection with Donna, sharing photos and videos of Everly and Alydia.

The girls’ mother, Donna, was employed at Comcast, while their father, Peter, worked as a real estate agent. They were recognized as exceptionally devoted parents, managing the demands of raising two skaters and spending numerous nights in hotels while traveling between New Jersey, Michigan, and Virginia in recent months.

“Donna was an exemplary mother,” Atkins told WFLA. “The girls were her entire world. They adored vibrant, eye-catching outfits and always brought immense joy to the ice.”
Atkins further shared that even when not skating, the sisters were always active.

“If they weren’t on the ice, they were roller skating—or they would attach wheels to their boots. They always found a way to keep moving.”

Tragic air disaster marks a grim milestone
The incident occurred when an American Airlines flight collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter during a training operation. The commercial aircraft, which was in the process of landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport, spiraled into the Potomac River following the collision. This event marks the deadliest air disaster in the United States in nearly 24 years.
Numerous individuals on the ill-fated flight, which was traveling from Kansas, were connected to the figure skating community, including athletes, coaches, and their families. The Skating Club of Boston has identified six victims, among them Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, the pair skaters who were crowned World Champions in 1994.

Ice rinks throughout the U.S. East Coast are now in mourning for their lost skaters.

As investigators strive to determine the cause of the crash, communities nationwide are grieving the untimely loss of Everly, Alydia, and many others whose lives ended too soon. Their lively spirits and passion for skating will be remembered.