The Washington, DC metro area experienced an unspeakable tragedy on Wednesday night when an American Airlines passenger jet carrying 64 passengers collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River. The plane was making its final descent into Reagan National Airport (DCA), and officials believe there are no survivors from the crash.
The awful accident hit close to home for the Washington Capitals, who are currently in Ottawa to wrap up a road trip against the Senators. The team practices just 15 minutes away at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. Many of the club’s players also live in Arlington, VA, where the airport is located.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport last night,” a statement posted by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the Capitals’ parent company, read. “We extend our thoughts and prayers to the families, loved ones, and all those impacted. And we thank all the first responders for their heroic efforts across this massive coordinated effort.”
Given the Capitals’ proximity to the tragedy, head coach Spencer Carbery started his press conference after Thursday’s morning skate by sharing condolences for the victims.
“Just before we get started this morning – just real sad, somber day back home in DC,” Carbery said. “On behalf of the organization, players, staff, the entire organization just want to express our heartfelt condolences to all the families, people affected by the tragedy back home in DC and the accident.”
Head coach Spencer Carbery's comments on last night's tragedy at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the efforts put forth by our local first responders.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to those lost and the families impacted by the events in our nation's capital.
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 30, 2025
Many of the crash victims were members of the US figure skating community, returning home from the National Development Camp held in Wichita, Kansas. Russian-born ice skating coaches and 1994 world champions, Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were also on the plane.
A large contingent of local first responders, including firefighters, police, EMS, and the Coast Guard descended on the area to try and make rescue efforts.
The Capitals organization makes a point to celebrate the DC area’s local heroes with their annual First Responder Appreciation Night. This year’s event, held in conjunction with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, will take place on March 30 at Capital One Arena against the Buffalo Sabres.
“Also, thank(s to) all the first responders that were on the scene immediately,” Carbery said Thursday. “Just a tough day back home, especially for us as an organization calling DC home. So, just wanted to [say] we’re thinking about everybody, everyone involved.
“I just can’t even imagine and they just put their lives on the line,” he continued. “Where 99% of people are running away from, they’re running into danger and just trying to help, just trying to help in any way that they can. To respond to that scene and with what happened, it’s so close to home. All of us, as players, staff – have family members, us directly fly in and out of that airport constantly throughout the year. So, yeah, this one hits really, really close to home for us.”
With the Capitals in town, the Ottawa Senators honored the victims of the crash with a moment of silence before Thursday night’s game.
Prior to puck drop tonight the #Sens honoured the lives of Shawn Simpson and the victims of the tragedy in Washington last night with a moment of silence. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GH4uJeQEXe
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) January 31, 2025
Dylan Strome said of the tragedy post-game that, “Our hearts go out to all the victims of the plane crash this week. Obviously, it’s just horrible and a lot of kids on the flight, a lot of kids that skate at MedStar. And I know it’s close to home for a lot of people in this organization. So, hearts go out to all affected… It’s awful. Just know we’re thinking about all their families and loved ones.”
Around the area, several makeshift memorials have organically popped up honoring those who were lost in the figure skating community. Flowers, photos, and photos began being dropped off along the side of the Capitals’ second practice rink where figure skaters regularly take the ice. Members of both the figure skating and hockey communities stopped by to pay their respects, writing memories of the victims in journals set out on a table.
A similar tribute occurred at the Ashburn Ice House, where many of the skaters trained.
Wendy Marco, the Capitals’ skating coach, calls the Ashburn rink home and shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram account.
“Our home rink, the Ashburn Ice House, has suffered unspeakable tragedy with the loss of young skaters, their families, and coaches in the plane crash,” Marco writes. “The future of US Figure Skating is forever changed. I’m sending love to my coaching colleagues and AIH skating community, US Figure Skating, and all of the friends and family outside of skating that have been impacted by this tragedy. I so wish there was more that I could do.”
To everyone affected by this tragedy, RMNB extends its deepest condolences.
