Fourteen members of a tight-knit figure skating community in Northern Virginia were tragically among the victims in a midair collision that occurred on Wednesday, as confirmed by Ashburn Ice House General Manager Rob Lorenzen during a news conference on Friday.
Lorenzen, while expressing his deep sorrow, mentioned that although he did not have a confirmed list of names, the 14 individuals were part of the ice rinks in Ashburn and the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington.
He highlighted the close-knit nature of the figure skating community, emphasizing how children and their families spend extensive hours at the rinks, forging intimate relationships with the staff and each other.
Describing the impact of the tragedy on the skating community, Lorenzen noted the widespread reach and regional connections that the ice rinks have with numerous skaters affected by the incident.
Expressing disbelief at the tragic event, Lorenzen remarked on the stark contrast between the usual recreational environment of the ice rinks, where families gather to have fun, relax, and support their children in their skating endeavors.
