Coach, 2 young skaters with ties to UD die in D.C. plane crash

Three First Staters tied to the University of Delaware tragically died in the Wednesday night air crash near Washington D.C. that left 67 dead.

Former UD Figure Skating Club Coach Sasha Kirsanov and competitive figure skaters Sean Kay and Angela Yang died in the American Airlines flight traveling from Wichita, Kansas when it collided with an army helicopter just before landing at Reagan National Airport.

The two skaters were not UD students. 

“I am incredibly saddened to share the news that several members of the figure skating community connected to the University of Delaware were among those who tragically lost their lives in an aircraft collision last night in Washington, DC.,” UD President Dennis Assanis said in a statement Thursday.

The trip to Kansas was for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships National Development Camp.

Kirsanov and the skaters trained at the University’s High Performance Training Center, which uses UD ice rink facilities and has been the training home for many years of multiple world-class skating champions and competitors. 

“The figure skating community is tight-knit, and many of our students and coaches have trained and competed alongside those who were lost,” Assanis said. 

It is unclear if the two young skaters were accompanied by their parents or other chaperones.

Assanis said more details will become known as the investigation continues. 

“For now, please know that the University has support resources for those who may need them, and that information is provided at the bottom of this email,” he said. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all of the victims of this horrific tragedy.”

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Delaware, expressed remorse, saying the three went to pursue their passion for figure skating, and it’s a tragedy that none of them returned home.

The two skaters were members of the Philadelphia Skating Club & Humane Society.

“We feel immense grief at the loss of so many talented skaters, their coaches, and families,” the organization said in a statement.

UD Athletic Director Chrissi Rawak said with a heavy heart, the school struggles to express the impact of this tragedy on the Blue Hen community. 

“Coach Sasha Kirsanov’s presence was felt deeply in our ice arenas, where he devoted countless hours to the UD Figure Skating Club and the High Performance Training Center,” she said. 

His dedication – and that of his skaters – forged meaningful connections throughout the UD family, Rawak said.

“Coach Kirsanov’s passion and commitment touched many lives, leaving a permanent mark on our campus,” she said. “Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this devastating event.”