Youngest victims of American Airlines crash identified
The nation is engulfed in grief following the most catastrophic plane crash in the United States in 24 years, a tragedy that claimed 67 lives and left an irreplaceable void in the figure skating community. Among the youngest victims were 11-year-old Angela Yang and 12-year-old Sean Kay, two gifted ice dancers whose bright futures were abruptly cut short.
The tragic event took place on the evening of January 29, when a regional jet, while nearing Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. All individuals on board the aircraft lost their lives, including the talented young skaters, whose partnership on the ice had been exceptional. Angela and Sean had remained undefeated in juvenile ice dance this season, achieving top honors at the 2025 Midwestern Sectional Singles and U.S. Ice Dance competition held in Texas.
Angela, inspired by her siblings’ enthusiasm for ice hockey, began skating at a young age and quickly showcased remarkable talent. Initially concentrating on solo dance, she yearned to find a partner, a dream wholeheartedly supported by her mother, Lily. To provide Angela with the best opportunities, Lily relocated from Maryland to Delaware and dedicated herself to homeschooling her daughter, while Angela’s father remained in China. Sean, the second oldest among four skating siblings, followed in his older sister’s footsteps but soon distinguished himself with his natural ability. His accomplishments included wins in solo dance competitions at both the juvenile and intermediate levels, and he harbored ambitious goals to progress to the junior level while continuing to compete alongside Angela in the intermediate category.
Hours before the tragic accident, Angela shared what would become her final message on Instagram, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences she had at the development camp in Wichita. “I’m really going to miss my friends and all the wonderful coaches! I can’t wait for next year!” she wrote, unaware of the profound grief that lay ahead.
Accompanying them was their beloved coach, 46-year-old Alexandr ‘Sasha’ Kirsanov, who also perished in the incident. His wife, Natalia Gudin, expressed her deep sorrow, mourning not only her husband but also the young skaters she considered family. “This young team—Sean Kay and Angela Yang—was truly remarkable. All the judges were immensely proud, and they had such bright futures,” she recalled, overwhelmed with grief. “To think they were all on the same flight? For me, it’s a triple loss.”
The crash also claimed the lives of several other members of the figure skating community. Among the victims were Boston skaters Jinna Han, 13, and Spencer Lane, 16, along with their mothers. Additionally, the tragedy took the lives of 1994 World Champion pair skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, as well as the Livingston family from Pennsylvania—parents Donna and Peter, and their daughters Everly, 14, and Alydia, 11.
As the investigation progresses, the figure skating community unites in grief, honoring those who were lost. The legacy of Angela, Sean, and their fellow athletes will live on through the joy they brought to the sport, the dedication they demonstrated, and the dreams they pursued. Their untimely passing serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, leaving behind an indelible legacy.
