In an absolutely heartbreaking addition to an already heart-rending story, it was announced that two of the American Airlines passengers killed when an Army VH-60 “Gold Top” VIP transport helicopter slammed into their flight on its descent into Reagan International Airport were young star figure skaters Alydia and Everly Livingston.
Alydia and Everly Livingston, known as the “Ice Skating Sisters,” were 11 and 14, respectively, at the time of their passing and were internet sensations given their sweet natures, skating talent, and relation to each other. They and their parents, Peter and Donna Livingston. were amongst the 67 people killed in the crash.
The young sisters were members of the United States Figure Skating-affiliated Washington Figure Skating Club in D.C. It released a joint statement alongside the Skating Club of Northern Virginia, as numerous victims of the collision and crash were linked to the clubs.
In the statement on the horrible deaths, the clubs said, “This heartbreaking accident has shaken the local skating community in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia — as well as in Boston and across the nation. Our hearts go out to families, friends, and loved ones mourning this unimaginable grief.”
Continuing, the statement said, “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. Their presence at our rinks and in our community is deeply felt, and their absence is indescribable.”
That’s not all. The Skating Lesson, a Facebook page devoted to figure skating, posted about the two young girls and said, including pictures of them on their flight, “Everly and Liddy Livingston were photographed by their mother, Donna, as they left Wichita on AA5342. Everly’s coach, Inna Volyanskaya, is in the row behind them. Donna Livingston sent the photo to another mom before takeoff. 💔🙏”
In an early post about the girls, the page commented on their history and personalities. Beginning, it said, “Alydia, Everly, Donna and Peter Livingston of Asburn, Virginia were among those lost on AA5342. Alydia (“Lydia”) was the youngest skater on the airplane and a rising ice dancer. She earned a trip to the camp after teaming up with a new partner in recent weeks.”
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Continuing, it described the girls, saying, “Lydia, 11, was known for her vivacious personality and strong desire to improve on the ice – no matter the critique. Everly, 14, was shy and reserved compared to her sister, yet came alive on the ice – becoming a sectional champion at the intermediate and juvenile levels.”
It also described their parents, writing, “Donna, a Comcast employee, and Peter, a real estate agent, were said to be among the most devoted parents – trying to manage raising two skaters and spending numerous nights in hotels while splitting time between New Jersey, Michigan and Virginia in recent months. Donna will be remembered for her optimistic nature and Peter will be remembered for being a supportive dad who loved filming his girls anywhere and everywhere.”
Featured image credit: The Skating Lesson