Young ice skating sisters killed in D.C. plane crash
The nation finds itself in shock following the deadliest aviation accident in recent memory.
Sixty-seven people died in the horrific airplane crash near Washington D.C. on a Wednesday evening, including the Livingston family - sisters Everly and Alydia plus their parents, Donna and Peter.
Last Social Media Update
A Pennsylvania news outlet reports that Donna Smojice Livingston, her spouse Peter, and their daughters Everly (14) and Alydia (11) were passengers on American Airlines Flight 5342.
The Daily Mail notes that both girls excelled in figure skating and belonged to the Washington Figure Skating Club. They practiced at Ashburn Ice House, a key facility for skaters in their Virginia community.
Their father took a picture of the girls in Kansas just days before the accident - one of many precious snapshots showing their enthusiasm for skating and life.
The siblings gained fame on social media as the "Ice Skating Sisters."
Their final Instagram post appeared five days before the fatal crash, showing them smiling at the championships with their 'athlete' credentials.
"Look closely at Alydia's badge... We were born ready for this," they wrote. "But is @usfigureskating ready for this much Livingston at Nationals?"
Only last year, Everly spoke with FOX 5 DC about her ice skating accomplishments as her reputation grew in the sport. During the interview, she discussed both the difficulties and joys of skating while sharing her dreams.
"My goals are to actually be part of Team USA and travel around the world," she said with an enthusiastic smile.
Friend Shares Memories
U.S. Figure Skating confirmed several community members were on the flight, with tributes starting immediately. A memorial has formed at Ashburn Ice House, showing how deeply the loss affects many.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to all affected," stated Ashburn Ice House management. "The figure skating community is a close-knit, worldwide family, and our hearts are broken."
The Nittany Valley Figure Skating Club shared their sorrow: "Many of us have lost personal friends. We will hold a moment of silence at our next Club Ice in honor of those we've lost."
Family friend Cassandra Atkins, an Australian designer, made custom skating outfits for the girls through her company, Frozen Couture. Though they never met in person, she regularly communicated with Donna, sharing photos and videos of Everly and Alydia.
Donna worked at Comcast while Peter sold real estate. Parents described the pair as exceptionally committed, handling the complex task of raising two skating enthusiasts while staying in various hotels and traveling across New Jersey, Michigan, and Virginia in recent months.
"Donna represented motherhood perfectly," Atkins told WFLA. "Her daughters meant everything to her. They preferred bright, noticeable costumes and always spread happiness whenever they skated."
Atkins mentioned that the sisters remained active even away from the rink.
"When not figure skating, they enjoyed roller skating—or attached wheels to their boots. They constantly discovered ways to stay active."
Worst Flying Catastrophe in Over Two Decades
The tragedy happened when an American Airlines aircraft struck a military Black Hawk helicopter during a training session. The passenger plane, approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport, crashed into the Potomac River after impact. This incident marks the most lethal U.S. flying accident in almost 24 years.
Numerous passengers on the doomed flight from Kansas belonged to figure skating circles — competitors, teachers, and their relatives. The Skating Club of Boston has identified six victims, including Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who won the World Championship for pair skating in 1994.
Skating facilities throughout the Eastern United States now grieve for their lost members.
As officials investigate what caused the crash, people nationwide mourn Everly, Alydia, and many others whose lives ended too soon. Their energetic personalities and skating passion will remain in memory.
