BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Several members of the U.S. Figure Skating community were among those killed when a passenger jet and Black Hawk military helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday.
U.S. Figure Skating said the athletes, coaches and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
"We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available."
- U.S. Figure Skating
Among those who attended the camp was East Aurora native Kaitlin Hawayek. The ice dancer, who was just named an alternate for Team USA at the Olympics, posted an emotional message on Instagram saying she was home safe after taking an earlier flight.
"To those asking, I took an early flight out yesterday from Wichita and am home safe.
My heart is absolutely broken for those who were on the flight last night, the skating community will not be the same. My heart goes out to everyone, their family, their loved ones. 💔"
