Young Ice Dancers’ Triumph and Tragedy – A Story of Promise Cut Short

At just eleven years old, Sean Kay and Angela Yang were already making waves in the world of figure skating. Their talent, dedication, and passion for ice dancing had earned them first place in the Juvenile Dance PD 1 category at the 2025 Midwestern Sectional U.S. Ice Dance Final. Their future seemed bright, filled with the promise of more victories and unforgettable performances. But tragedy struck when their lives were cut short in a devastating plane crash near Washington, D.C., leaving the skating community and their loved ones in mourning.

The accident occurred on a Wednesday night when an American Airlines flight collided with a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River. All 67 passengers on the plane, including Sean, Angela, their coaches, and family members, lost their lives. The news sent shockwaves through the figure skating world, as the young duo had been returning home from a developmental skating camp in Wichita. Their coach, Alexandr “Sasha” Kirsanov, also perished in the crash, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship and inspiration.

Angela and Sean’s journey to the top was marked by hard work and unwavering support from their families. Angela, who initially skated solo, dreamed of finding a partner who shared her passion. Her mother, Lily, made the bold decision to move the family from Maryland to Delaware so Angela could train with top coaches. Meanwhile, Sean, the second oldest of four siblings, discovered his love for skating through his older sister. His mother, Julia, a dedicated night nurse, homeschooled her children to ensure Sean had the time and resources to pursue his dreams.

Their victory at the Midwestern Sectional Final was a testament to their talent and teamwork. They were poised to advance to intermediate competitions and continue their rise in the skating world. But their dreams were tragically cut short, leaving behind grieving families and a community in shock. The loss of such young, promising athletes has left a void that will be deeply felt for years to come.

The tragedy also claimed the lives of other skaters, coaches, and family members, including 16-year-old Spencer Lane and his mother, as well as Russian coaches Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova. The figure skating community has come together to honor the victims, sharing tributes and memories on social media. As the National Transportation Safety Board investigates the cause of the crash, the world mourns the loss of these bright stars and the potential they carried.

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