29-03-2025
Tribute airing Sunday honors those killed on plane out of Wichita
The video linked to this story aired on March 2, 2025.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — This Sunday, Kansans can watch some of America's best figure skaters pay tribute to the victims of the aviation tragedy involving a plane from Wichita. American Airlines Flight 5342 was attempting to land in Washington, D.C., when it crashed with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on Jan. 29.
Sixty-seven people died, including 28 members of the figure skating community. Wichita had hosted the figure skating national championships the week before the flight. Some skaters, family members and coaches had stayed longer to attend a development camp at Wichita Ice Center.
On March 2, U.S. Figure Skating and Monumental Sports & Entertainment hosted 'Legacy on Ice,' a figure skating tribute and benefit in Washington, D.C., to support the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy. NBC is airing an encore of the benefit this Sunday, March 30, at noon on KSN.
Tears flow at a poignant figure skating event in Washington benefiting victims of the DC plane crash
Olympic champion Brian Boitano co-hosted the event. Some of the skaters included:
Ilia Malinin – Three-time U.S. champion, two-time ISU Grand Prix Final champion and 2024 World champion
Amber Glenn –Two-time U.S. champion and 2024 ISU Grand Prix Final champion
Madison Chock and Evan Bates – Six-time U.S. ice dance champions, two-time World ice dance champions and 2022 Olympic figure skating team champions
Alysa Liu – Two-time U.S. champion, 2025 U.S silver medalist and 2022 World bronze medalist
Tara Lipinski – U.S. champion, World champion and 1998 Olympic champion
Kristi Yamaguchi – U.S champion, World champion and 1992 Olympic champion
Scott Hamilton – Four-time U.S. champion, four-time World champion and 1984 Olympic champion
Johnny Weir – Three-time U.S. champion and two-time Olympian
The show also honors the first responders and aviation professionals who helped after the crash.
The benefit has already raised $1.2 million, which will be split between the U.S. Figure Skating Family Support Fund, Greater Washington Community Foundation's 'DCA Together Relief Fund,' and D.C. Fire & EMS Foundation. You can still donate online. Click here to learn more.
Also, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSEF) opened a benefit auction that will remain open through the encore presentation. All proceeds will benefit the families and first responders impacted by the tragedy.
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