Figure Skating Titans Unite for Heartfelt Tribute to DC Plane Crash Victims

Maxim Naumov fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face, as he concluded his tribute performance honoring his parents. The emotional weight of the moment was palpable as he skated off the ice, holding an electric candle high amidst an arena filled with applause. Amber Glenn and 13-year-old Isabella Aparicio, performing in memory of their own loved ones lost in a tragic collision, also broke down in tears.

As fans illuminated the darkened arena with cellphones, a profound silence gave way to the sound of soft sobbing. The poignant scene unfolded during the Legacy on Ice benefit event in Washington, D.C., an emotional gathering aimed at honoring and raising funds for the victims of the devastating midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The accident claimed 67 lives, including 28 members of the figure skating community.

The event brought together some of the biggest names in U.S. figure skating. Olympic champions Kristi Yamaguchi and Brian Boitano emceed the show, which featured stars like Amber Glenn, Johnny Weir, and reigning men's world champion Ilia Malinin. Their performances, interwoven with heartfelt tributes, created an atmosphere of shared grief and resilience.

"Everyone grieves in their own way, and for many of us, the last month has been a struggle," said Evan Bates, who, along with Madison Chock, won Olympic gold in 2022. "Coming together for something tangible like this show offers a glimmer of hope and a step forward."

The event was staged by Monumental Sports & Entertainment in collaboration with U.S. Figure Skating, the DC Fire & EMS Foundation, and the Greater Washington Community Foundation. Ted Leonsis, head of Monumental Sports, likened the gathering to the healing role sports and concerts played in New York after 9/11. "This is a collective hug for the community," he said, emphasizing the goal of raising significant funds for the affected families.

From the dasher boards adorned with 67 stars to the skaters placing flowers on a candlelit table before their routines, every detail of the event was imbued with meaning. Jason Brown, a 2014 Olympic bronze medalist, performed to "The Impossible Dream" by Josh Groban and reflected on the shared pain within the skating community. "We all travel for this sport. This tragedy hit us hard because it feels so close to home," he shared.

Amber Glenn opened the show with a performance to Andra Day's "Rise Up," breaking down at center ice as her emotions overcame her. Johnny Weir dedicated his routine to members of the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club who were on the ill-fated flight, while Ilia Malinin dazzled the crowd with his jumps, expressing a deep commitment to keeping the victims' memories alive. "Every time we step on the ice, they’ll be in our hearts," Malinin said.

The show concluded with a stirring ensemble performance to "Imagine" and a grand finale set to Lady Gaga's "Hold My Hand," leaving the 15,000-strong sellout crowd visibly moved. Among the attendees were hundreds of first responders, many of whom had been part of the harrowing rescue and recovery efforts. "This is part of their grieving and healing process as well," said Amy Mauro, executive director of the DC Fire and EMS Foundation.

Beyond emotional solace, the event aimed to provide tangible support for the victims' families. Monumental president Monica Dixon explained that funds raised would help cover expenses like college tuition, therapy, and health care. "Each family will use the funds in the way that best suits their needs," she noted.

The event aired live on Monumental Sports Network and Peacock, with NBC set to broadcast an encore performance later in March. "We're hoping this helps raise even more donations," Leonsis said, highlighting the collective power of coming together to "do the right things in the right way."