Tragic D.C. Plane Crash Claims Lives of Beloved Skating Sisters and Their Family
The nation is grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest aviation tragedies in recent history.
A devastating plane crash near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night took the lives of 67 people, including sisters Everly and Alydia Livingston and their parents, Donna and Peter. The Livingston family, known for their deep love of figure skating, is among those being mourned in communities across the country.
A Final Post Filled with Joy and Anticipation
According to Pennsylvania-based news station WTAJ, Donna Smojice Livingston, her husband Peter, and their daughters, Everly, 14, and Alydia, 11, were aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 when tragedy struck.
The sisters were passionate figure skaters and active members of the Washington Figure Skating Club, as reported by the Daily Mail. They trained at the Ashburn Ice House in Virginia, where they were well-known within the local skating community.
Just days before the crash, Peter captured a photo of his daughters in Kansas—a cherished memory of their journey and dedication to the sport. The Livingston sisters were more than just talented skaters; they had gained recognition on social media as the “Ice Skating Sisters,” sharing their love for the sport with thousands of followers.
Their final Instagram post, shared five days before the accident, showed them smiling proudly at a championship ice rink, their ‘athlete’ lanyards around their necks.
“If you look closely at Alydia’s badge… We were born ready for this,” the caption read. “But is @usfigureskating ready for this much Livingston at Nationals?”
Everly, a rising star in the sport, had previously spoken with FOX 5 DC about her aspirations. In an interview last year, she excitedly shared her dream of making it to Team USA.
“My goals are to actually be a part of Team USA and travel around the world,” she said, her enthusiasm shining through.
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A Community in Mourning
U.S. Figure Skating has confirmed that several members of their community were among the victims, and the outpouring of grief has been overwhelming. A growing memorial at Ashburn Ice House serves as a tribute to those lost, including the Livingston sisters.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to all affected,” the facility’s management shared in a statement. “The figure skating community is a close-knit, worldwide family, and our hearts are broken.”
The Nittany Valley Figure Skating Club also honored those lost, stating in a heartfelt social media post, “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.”
Cassandra Atkins, an Australian designer who created custom skating outfits for Everly and Alydia through her company Frozen Couture, was among those deeply affected by the loss. While she had never met the family in person, she frequently communicated with Donna, exchanging photos and videos of the sisters.
“Donna was the perfect mom,” Atkins told WFLA. “The girls were her world. They loved bright, standout outfits and always brought so much joy to the ice.”
Atkins recalled how the girls never stopped moving, even outside the rink.
“If they weren’t skating, they were roller skating—or they’d put wheels on their boots. They always found a way to move.”
Both parents were dedicated to supporting their daughters’ ambitions. Donna worked for Comcast, while Peter was a real estate agent. Their lives revolved around skating, with the family frequently traveling between New Jersey, Michigan, and Virginia to support their daughters’ competitive careers.
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A Catastrophic Collision
The crash was the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster in nearly 24 years. The tragedy unfolded when an American Airlines flight collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter during a routine training exercise. As the commercial jet approached Ronald Reagan National Airport for landing, the impact caused it to spiral into the Potomac River, leaving no survivors.
Many of those on board were connected to the figure skating community—athletes, coaches, and families traveling from Kansas. The Skating Club of Boston has confirmed six additional victims, including 1994 World Champion pair skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.
Skating communities along the East Coast are mourning the immense loss, with rinks holding tributes and moments of silence to honor those who perished.
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A Legacy That Will Not Be Forgotten
As investigators work to determine the exact cause of the accident, loved ones and fans continue to grieve the unimaginable loss of Everly, Alydia, and so many others.
Their energy, talent, and love for skating left an undeniable mark on those who knew them. While their journey was tragically cut short, their legacy will continue to inspire the figure skating world for years to come.
