“Final Snapshot: The Skating Sisters’ Last Beaming Moment Before the Tragedy in Washington”?

The horrific mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter has left a devastating toll, claiming the lives of 67 people. The American Airlines plane was carrying 64 passengers, while the Black Hawk, which was en route on a routine military mission, had three pilots on board. Tragically, all passengers, including the helicopter pilots, were killed in the crash.

Among the victims were two beloved members of the U.S. Figure Skating community—Everly Livingston, 14, and her younger sister Alydia, 11, both from Livingston. The girls, along with their mother Donna and father, were on the ill-fated flight. Before the disaster struck, Donna captured one final memory of her daughters—both smiling brightly as they posed for a photo, their faces filled with joy and excitement. She sent this photo to a fellow skating mother, sharing the happy moment with another family who understood the girls’ passion for the sport.

Wolfe Jin, a close friend and skating teammate of the Livingston sisters, recalled the girls’ warmth and enthusiasm. “Everly and Alydia were two of the brightest people in our rink,” Wolfe said, choked with emotion. “The whole community looked up to them. Their energy was infectious.” Upon hearing the news of the tragedy, Wolfe and his mother rushed to the airport in a desperate search for answers, hoping to confirm their worst fears.

Just one year earlier, Everly, who had quickly become a rising star in ice skating, shared her dream with Fox 5 DC. “My goals are to make Team USA and travel the world,” she said with determination. Her ambition, drive, and infectious spirit were undeniable. The loss of these two young sisters has left a gaping hole in the hearts of their skating family and the entire community, who now mourn the lives of the bright futures that were tragically taken too soon.