Figure skating sisters, 11 and 14, killed in DC plane crash that also claimed their parents' lives

WASHINGTON, DC: Figure skating sisters Alydia and Everly Livingston, of Ashburn, Virginia, represented the Washington Figure Skating Club in DC and were attending the US Figure Skating Championships in Wichita last week.

Unfortunately, their lives were cut short in the deadly plane crash in Washington, DC on January 29, Wednesday night. The skating community has been left in deep sorrow over the loss of these young athletes.

Alydia and Everly, known as the "Ice Skating Sisters," were among the 67 victims who perished when an American Airlines plane collided with a Black Hawk army helicopter on its way from Wichita to Reagan National Airport and plunged into the Potomac River as it was about to land.

Along with the girls, their parents, Peter and Donna Livingston, also lost their lives in the crash.

Washington Figure Skating Club mourns the loss of young sisters Alydia and Everly

As per Fox News, Alydia, 11, and Everly, 14, were beloved members of the Washington Figure Skating Club, a prominent skating group affiliated with US Figure Skating.

In the wake of this devastating event, the club, alongside the Skating Club of Northern Virginia, issued a joint statement that resonated with the deep grief felt across the skating community.

"This heartbreaking accident has shaken the local skating community in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia — as well as in Boston and across the nation. Our hearts go out to families, friends, and loved ones mourning this unimaginable grief," they expressed.

The statement continued, reflecting the immense loss felt by the skating community: "As we continue to process this tragedy, we honor the memories of those we have lost — their passion for the sport, the friendships they cultivated, and the joy they brought to the ice. Their presence at our rinks and in our community is deeply felt, and their absence is indescribable."

Tributes for Alydia and Everly Livingston

Tributes for the sisters have flooded in from those who knew them best.

Alydia, remembered for her "vivacious personality" and fiery passion for skating, was a spark of energy on and off the ice, as per Fox News reports.

In contrast, Everly, though initially described as "shy," found her confidence when she laced up her skates, captivating all who watched her perform. Everly compared to her sister Alydia was reticent but had become a sectional champion at the intermediate and juvenile levels.

Another tribute on the Facebook page The Skating Lesson mentioned that Alydia was the youngest skater on board the ill-fated plane as they described her as a "rising ice dancer."

The girls' mother, Donna, was a Comcast employee, the tribute on the page read. Their father, Peter, was a real estate agent. They were described as being “among the most devoted parents — trying to manage raising two skaters and spending numerous nights in hotels while splitting time between New Jersey, Michigan and Virginia in recent months.”

“Donna will be remembered for her optimistic nature and Peter will be remembered for being a supportive dad who loved filming his girls anywhere and everywhere,” it said.

Alydia and Everly had a fairly large social media following with whom they shared their skating journey. Their social media feed is peppered with photos and videos from competitions and adventures across the country. Their YouTube channel cheekily describes them as "sisters who love skating—and often each other."

A poignant final post on the girls’ shared Instagram captured the sisters together at the US Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, just days before the crash.

The championships concluded on January 26, and shortly after, a development camp was held, with several US Figure Skating members onboard the fateful flight.

In the days following the accident, authorities have reportedly confirmed that 14 of the 67 victims were connected to the skating community.

This tragic loss extends far beyond just the Livingston family, impacting the lives of many skaters, coaches, and fans who were touched by their presence.

Another family from Virginia is mourning the loss of their daughter. Brielle Beyer, 12, of Aldie, Virginia, has been described as a 'spunky skater' who was accompanied on the flight by her mother, Justyna and both of them lost their lives in the crash. 

Condolences pour in for young sisters and their parents 

Comments on Facebook were filled with admiration for the young girls and their parents. 

One social media user commented, "The girls were amazing…just like their dedicated parents!! Such a heartbreaking loss to everyone who knew them." 

Another wrote, "Before we began our family’s ice skating journey, Everly and Lydia were such an inspiration to my girls. It's heartbreaking to think of how much love and dedication their family poured into this sport, only to face such an unimaginable tragedy on their way home. We were left speechless and couldn't stop crying. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their family and friends." 

One person shared their grief writing, "The rink and skating will never be the same without Them! And without those who lost their lives! We’re mourning. We can’t comprehend what happened. It hurts so much!" 

“The whole family. May they be skating together in the beyond,” said one and another shared, “The loss for those that loved them is unimaginable.” 

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