ASHBURN, VA — A figure skating coach in Ashburn and former Loudoun County Public Schools students among the victims presumed dead in the Wednesday night crash of an American Airlines plane with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport.
Inna Volanskaya, a coach at the Ashburn Ice House, is among the 67 victims who authorities believe are dead in the plane crash, Rep. Suhas Subramanyan (D-Loudoun) said on Thursday. That confirmation comes after The International Skating Union said figure skaters and their families, friends, and coaches were among those aboard the American Airlines flight coming from Wichita, Kansas.
"She was one of the best skaters I've ever seen, honestly. She was one of the best pair girls to skate," Volyanskaya's ex-husband, Ross Lansel, told News4 in DC. Lansel, a coach at Skate Quest in Reston, said his heart broke for the children Volyanskaya coached.
"Just knowing the impact she made to all the skaters and everyone just hurts my soul and just I wish all those kids that she taught, just my condolences and I wish them — all my prayers go out to them," Lansel said. "I wish them the best of life and everything because I know it's going to be so hard without her. It's tough because as a figure skating coach, you mean a lot to these kids and you're like the individual person for them."
Loudoun County Public Schools released a statement indicating multiple victims were former students of the school district. Identities were not released by LCPS.
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Around 8:48 p.m. Wednesday, authorities responded to a collision between American Eagle Flight 5342 and a UH-60 Blackhawk. American Airlines said 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard. Three people were on the military helicopter. As of Thursday morning, D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly said the rescue operation was changing to a recovery operation, as authorities do not believe there are any survivors.
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Volanskaya is affiliated with the Washington Figure Skating Club and coaches at Ashburn Ice House. According to the club's website, she was credited with coaching figure skaters to win medals on the regional, sectional and national levels. Reuters reported that Volanskaya competed as a figure skater for the Soviet Union.
Ashburn Ice House provided condolences to those affected by the plane crash. It offered a link to the Loudoun County Behavioral Health Crisis Services with a 24/7 Crisis Center and phone number 703-777-0320.
"It is with heavy hearts that we have learned that our figure skating community has been directly affected," Ashburn Ice House shared. "The figure skating community is a close-knit, worldwide family and our hearts go out to all affected by this terrible tragedy."
The Washington Figure Skating Club and Skating Club of Northern Virginia said in a statement the deadly crash "has shaken the local skating community in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia—as well as in Boston and across the nation." The organizations are not yet sharing the identities of victims until the list is confirmed.
"As we continue to process this tragedy, we honor the memories of those who we have lost—their passion for the sport, the friendships they cultivated, and the joy they brought to the ice," the organizations stated. "Their presence at our rinks and in our community is deeply felt, and their absence is indescribable."
The International Skating Union added in a statement, "Figure skating is more than a sport—it’s a close-knit family—and we stand together. We remain in close contact with U.S. Figure Skating and offer our full support during this incredibly difficult time.
Loudoun County government said it was aware of Loudoun community members being identified as passengers on the plane.
"The county recognizes that this heartbreaking incident has impacted our friends and neighbors," the county said in a statement. "We offer our sympathy to the Loudoun figure skating community. We join you in your grief as we wait for more information about the victims and the investigation into the cause of the crash."
Superintendent Aaron Spence noted in addition to former students, other Loudoun County families have been affected.
"We extend our deepest condolences to all those grieving in the wake of this tragedy," said Spence in a statement. "Loss of this magnitude can bring a wave of emotions. Please know that you are not alone. We are here to support you, and we will navigate this difficult time together."
LCPS offered mental health professional services for students and families by contacting [email protected] with a contact number. Staff may use the school district's AllOne Health Employee Assistance.
More on the crash can be found here.