Artistic skaters among the passengers of the plane who crashed outside Washington DC

The artistic skaters of the United States and Russia were one of the 64 people aboard the commercial jet which collided outdoors with an army helicopter and crashed into the Potomac river on Wednesday evening at the exterior of Washington.

American figure skating, the American director for sport, said that skaters returned from a training camp for the best juvenile, intermediaries and novices skaters who follow the national craft skating championships, which have been held Wichita, Kan., Above the weekend. Russian artistic skaters – as well as other Russian citizens – were one of those on the plane, said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri S. Peskov.

“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and closely hold the families of the victims in our hearts,” said Alex Schauffler’s statement, communications director for us. Since early Thursday morning, no death had been confirmed.

Jon Maravilla, an American artistic skater, told Ria Novosti, a Russian news agency, that there were “around 14 artistic skaters on the plane, not to mention their parents and their coaches”.

“Such a tragedy,” said Maravilla, adding that he did not want to give their name. American figure skating has not confirmed the number of its members on board and did not immediately respond to a request for comments.

Russian state press agencies also said that three former Russian artistic skaters were on the plane.

The American national championships take place each year in different cities in the country. Before competition, skaters must compete in qualification cycles during regional competitions. American figure skating was founded in 1921 and is based in Colorado Springs. It includes both skater and professionals clubs and has nearly 900 member clubs.

“We have a broken heart to learn that artistic skaters, as well as their families, friends and coaches, are considered to be among people on board,” said the International Skating Syndicate in a press release. “Our thoughts concern all those who are affected by this tragedy. Figure skating is more than a sport – it is a very united family – and we hold together. »»

Tariq Panja And Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs Contributed reports.