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3 hours ago
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A beloved Disney on Ice actress and a mother of two young children are among the latest victims identified from the deadly Washington, DC, airplane crash.
An American Airlines jet with 64 people onboard coming from Wichita, Kansas, crashed with a US Army helicopter carrying three soldiers over the icy waters of the Potomac River Wednesday night, killing everyone.
The Black Hawk helicopter apparently flew in the jet's path as it tried to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport.
At least 30 bodies have been recovered from the freezing waters, including several US and Russian figure skaters and all four flight crew members.
Famed skater Inna Volyanskaya, 59, was identified as one of the crash victims by Virginia Rep. Suhas Subramanyam.
'It’s confirmed that none of the 67 people in last night’s crash survived, including members of our community like Inna Volanskaya, an ice skating coach in Ashburn,' Subramanyam said.
Volyanskaya competed for the Soviet Union and performed for Disney on Ice as Princess Aurora, Cinderella, Belle and Ariel, according to her coaching biography.
'She was one of the best skaters I've ever seen, honestly. She was one of the best pair girls to skate,' Volyanskaya's ex-husband, Ross Lansel, told News4.
Volyanskaya competed for the Soviet Union and performed for Disney on Ice as Princess Aurora, Cinderella, Belle and Ariel
Famed skater Inna Volyanskaya (center), 59, was identified as one of the crash victims
Lansel said he is devastated for the children Volyanskaya coached in Virginia.
'Just knowing the impact she made to all the skaters and everyone just hurts my soul, and just I wish all those kids that she taught, just my condolences, and I wish them — all my prayers go out to them,' he said.
'I wish them the best of life and everything because I know it's going to be so hard without her. It's tough because as a figure skating coach, you mean a lot to these kids and you're like the individual person for them.'
US Figure Skating confirmed that several skaters, coaches and their family members were on board the flight, and had been returning home from the National Development Camp, which is held in conjunction with the national championships.
'We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims' families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available,' the sport governing body said in a statement.
Mother-of-two, Wendy Shaffer, was confirmed as one of the victims by her husband's Nate's friend Bill Melugin on X.
Wendy left behind her two young sons, Shields, three, and Bennett, one.
'She was a radiant soul, a devoted wife to Nathan, and an incredible mother to her two beautiful boys,' a GoFundMe said.
Mother of two, Wendy Shaffer, was confirmed as one of the victims by her husband's Nate's friend
'She was a radiant soul, a devoted wife to Nathan, and an incredible mother to her two beautiful boys,' a GoFundMe said
'Her love, kindness, and unwavering spirit touched everyone who knew her, and her absence leaves a void that can never be filled.
'She dedicated her life to creating a warm, loving home filled with laughter and care. Her boys were her greatest pride and joy, and she dreamed of watching them grow into the amazing individuals she knew they would become.'
Her husband, Nate, said he is still 'waiting to wake up from this nightmare, but I fear this is the truth.'
'Wendy was not just beautiful on the outside, but was a truly amazing woman through and through. She was the best wife, mother, and friend that anyone could ever hope for,' he said through Melugin.
'Her love, kindness, and strength touched everyone she met. We will miss you more than words can express, Wendy Jo. I love you endlessly! Rest in peace, my love.'
English (US)