A midair collision between a passenger jet and an Army helicopter led to the deaths of 67 people, including promising young figure skaters returning from a national camp and friends returning from a duck hunting trip. Among the victims were several from the Skating Club of Boston, and the flight crew of American Airlines Flight 5342. The tragedy also claimed the lives of soldiers in the Army helicopter. The incident has devastated the families and the broader skating community, with many victims confirmed through social media.
Many of the passengers on the flight had been flying home from the U.S. Figure Skating's National Development camp, which was held after last week's national championships in Wichita, Kan. The attendees are promising young competitive skaters, some of whom were traveling with their parents.
Six people with ties to the Skating Club of Boston were killed: Jinna Han, a skater, and her mother, Jin Han, along with other competitive families and coaches.
At least seven friends were flying back East after a guys' trip hunting ducks in the Kansas woods. They included Michael Stovall, 40, and Jesse Pitcher, relatives said.
Relatives confirmed three of the crew members as pilot Jonathan J. Campos, co-pilot Sam Lilley, and flight attendant Danasia Brown Elder. Three soldiers in the helicopter that collided with the jet were also killed.
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