RI resident among those killed in DC plane collision

Christopher Boardman,
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Spencer Lane, 16, of Barrington was aboard the flight that crashed in Washington DC Wednesday night. (The Skating Club of Boston)

NORWOOD, Mass. (WLNE) — A Rhode Island resident is among those who died in a Wednesday night collision between a military helicopter and an airliner in Washington, DC.

According to a statement from the Skating Club of Boston, Spencer Lane, 16, of Barrington was on American Airlines Flight 5342 when it collided with a helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River.

Spencer’s mother Christine Lane was also on the flight.

According to a statement from Barrington Schools, Spencer Lane attended Barrington High School until 2023 when he transitioned out to pursue his promising figure skating career.

The statement reads, in part:

Our entire Barrington community mourns with the Lane family, the Skating Club of Boston, and all who knew and loved Christine and Spencer Lane. Spencer was a talented and driven young athlete with a bright future, and this is an unimaginable loss.

Recognizing the profound impact of this tragedy, Barrington High School has made counseling and support services available to students and staff. Mental health counselors and crisis teams are present in the counseling office this week, and the Barrington Police Department comfort dog Officer Levi will be available to provide additional support for our students and staff.

Also on board the flight was skater Jinna Han, age 13, and coaches Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova.

“Our sport and this Club have suffered a horrible loss with this tragedy,” said CEO of the club Doug Zeghibe in a statement.

“Everyone is like family. Of the skaters, coaches and parents on the plane, we believe six were from the Skating Club of Boston. We are devastated and completely at a loss for words.”

This is a developing story, stay with ABC6 for further developments.

Categories: Massachusetts, News, Rhode Island

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