It’s a tragic story. On January 29, at 8:47 p.m., American Airlines Flight 5342 and a US Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter collided in mid-air over the Potomac River, in Washington, DC. All 67 people in both aircrafts perished in the crash. Among the passengers on Flight 5342 were 28 US figure skating athletes, coaches, and their families returning from a national development camp associated with the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, KS. 

The Skating Club of Boston, based in Norwood, was deeply affected by the loss of six cherished members: Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, Christine and Spencer Lane, and Jin and Jinna Han.

In their memory, the Club has launched a comprehensive tribute campaign that includes lasting memorials, two annual scholarships, and four club awards, ensuring that the legacy of these six individuals lives on in the heart of the skating community.

Frozen 5K Fundraiser to Launch Campaign

To kick off the fundraising effort, The Skating Club of Boston will host the Frozen 5K Fundraiser on Thursday, August 21, 6-9 p.m., 50 University Ave, Norwood. Participants will skate 28 laps, one for each Club life lost, in the Tenley E. Albright Performance Center’s Olympic-sized rink. For those who prefer to walk, the concourse will be open.

Supporters can participate individually or as part of a fundraising team. The event will feature music, food, beverages, a cash bar, project the group’s strong sense of community. Learn more or sign up at: www.scboston.org/frozen-5k

How to Support

Direct donations are also accepted at www.scboston.org/always-champions.

Donations of $250 or more will be recognized on the Club’s website.

Donations of $1,000 or more will be honored on a tribute wall inside the newly named Always Champions Training Rink.

Both individuals and companies are welcome to contribute.

Scholarships and Awards

Two annual scholarships will honor skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, awarded to promising skaters training at the Club. Selection criteria will be determined by the Han and Lane families.

Four Club awards will be presented annually at the Club Awards Banquet each June, honoring:

Coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov

Skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane

Award criteria will be developed by Max Naumov (son of Evgenia and Vadim), Joon Han (father of Jinna), and Doug Lane (father of Spencer).

“Spencer truly found his people and his place at The Skating Club of Boston, and I have so many memories of Christine smiling and laughing with dear friends at the Club,” Doug Lane said. “I’m incredibly grateful to this community for honoring the six amazing people we lost and for ensuring that their spirit continues to inspire others to chase their dreams.”

Lasting Memorials

The west rink, where Evgenia and Vadim led the Club’s Tomorrow’s Champions program and where Jinna and Spencer trained, will be renamed the Always Champions Training Rink, featuring tribute and donor walls.

Three reflecting benches outside the Club’s main entrance will have permanent plaques honoring each family and skates of the four skaters and coaches will be bronzed and installed at the foot of each bench. Also, two weeping cherry trees will be added to the club’s landscaping at the entrance on each side of the flagpoles.

“We developed this campaign to honor the memories of these six individuals, and to ensure that their personal legacies will forever be a part of the Club’s legacy,” Doug Zeghibe, CEO and Executive Director of the Club said. “Their commitment to the sport and spirit of excellence will continue to inspire today’s and future generations of our community. For all of us, they are Always Champions who will never be forgotten.”