The United States is still coming to terms with the worst aviation tragedy in decades, a devastating crash that claimed 67 lives on Wednesday night. Among those lost were sisters Everly and Alydia Livingston, along with their parents, Donna and Peter Livingston.
A Family Among the Victims
Pennsylvania news outlet WTAJ confirmed that Donna Smojice Livingston, her husband Peter, and their daughters Everly, 14, and Alydia, 11, were on board American Airlines Flight 5342 when it crashed.
Both Everly and Alydia were passionate figure skaters and members of the Washington Figure Skating Club. They trained at Ashburn Ice House in Virginia, a beloved space within their skating community.
Just days before the crash, their father captured a photo of the girls in Kansas, a memory now cherished by those who knew them.
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Their Last Social Media Post
Known online as the “Ice Skating Sisters”, Everly and Alydia had built a strong presence in the skating community through social media.
Their final Instagram post, shared just five days before the crash, featured them smiling proudly in front of the ice rink at the championships, sporting their ‘athlete’ lanyards.
“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, just last year at 13, was featured in an interview with FOX 5 DC, where she spoke about her dreams in figure skating.
“My goals are to actually be a part of Team USA and travel around the world,” she shared, beaming with excitement.
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Tributes Pour In
In the aftermath of the tragedy, U.S. Figure Skating confirmed that several of their community members were among the victims. Ice rinks across the country have been paying tribute, with a growing memorial at Ashburn Ice House honoring those lost.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to all affected,” the skating rink’s management shared. “The figure skating community is a close-knit, worldwide family, and our hearts are broken.”
The Nittany Valley Figure Skating Club also expressed their grief on social media, stating:
“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.”
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A Family Remembered
Among those mourning the Livingston family is Cassandra Atkins, an Australian designer who created custom skating outfits for Everly and Alydia through her business, Frozen Couture. Though she never met the family in person, she frequently shared photos and videos with their mother, Donna.
Donna worked at Comcast, while Peter was a real estate agent. Known for their unwavering dedication to their daughters, they spent countless nights traveling between New Jersey, Michigan, and Virginia, supporting their skating careers.
“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.”
Even off the rink, the sisters were always moving.
“If they weren’t skating, they were roller skating—or they’d put wheels on their boots. They always found a way to move.”
The Worst Air Disaster in 24 Years
The tragedy unfolded when American Airlines Flight 5342 collided mid-air with a Black Hawk military helicopter during a training exercise. As the commercial plane approached landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport, the impact sent it spiraling into the Potomac River.
This marks the deadliest U.S. air disaster in nearly 24 years.
Among the victims were many from the figure skating world—athletes, coaches, and families. The Skating Club of Boston confirmed six losses, including 1994 World Champion pair skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.
A Nation in Mourning
As investigations continue into what caused this heartbreaking crash, communities across the country grieve the loss of Everly, Alydia, and so many others whose lives were cut tragically short.
Their love for skating, their bright spirits, and their enduring legacy will not be forgotten.
