A close-knit community of Newark, Delaware supports the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club as it brings hope to all aspiring skaters from the area.
The club boasted Angela Yang and Sean Kay as its rising talents in ice dancing showcasing performances which suggested a successful future in competition.
The graceful Angela and the energetic Sean returned to Newark after their participation at the National Development Camp held in Wichita, Kansas.
The prestigious event unites the National Development Camp with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships to provide top coaches for guidance to emerging talents.
Through social media Angela proudly expressed “Had so much fun at camp!!!” The absence of my close friends coupled with the loss of outstanding coaches will definitely create a big void in my life. I can’t wait for next year!””
Alexandr “Sasha” Kirsanov guided their development as their coach since he pursued an ice dancing career while representing three nations: the United States and Azerbaijan and Russia.
The young competitors displayed growing skills because of the talented coaching mentorship under his guidance.
The return trip from Wichita was supposed to offer a short break following comprehensive training sessions.
The young skaters maintained their passion for professional growth while planning their approach to upcoming contests.
The 2025 Midwestern Sectional Singles & U.S. Ice Dance in Plano, Texas awarded Angela and Sean their first-place victories in several competitions.
Angela took the juvenile dance final stage with her pink sequin dress to post on Instagram: “”I am so happy with our results at our first finals together””
The couple had established their position in the sport through their undoubtful talent along with their unwavering dedication to figure skating.
The young dancers lost their future aspirations after the event due to a fatal accident while returning home.
The unexpected catastrophe happened in the evening of January 29, 2025 when their plane neared Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Flight 5342 operated by American Eagle traveled from Wichita before it struck a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter above the Potomac River.
During the mishap that claimed 67 lives from both planes Angela Yang and her companions Sean Kay and Alexandr Kirsanov also died.
An extensive investigation regarding the incident was initiated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Reports indicate that the helicopter operated above its authorized flight elevation before the terminal airspace accident occurred.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued operational restrictions for helicopters throughout Reagan National Airport’s airspace as a preventive step.
The members of the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club expressed deep sadness about the tragic death.
Through an official statement they shared their devastating feelings about this terrible incident as they continue to support all bereaved families.
Natalya Gudin Kirsanov openly admitted to losing everything to reporters following the accident.
The figure skating community mourns deep grief for the promising athletes and their dedicated coach as her statement reflects their collective sorrow.
Continuing investigations serve to memorialize Angela Yang and Sean Kay through their legacy about the brevity of human life combined with the transformative power of intense determination.
The dedication of this talented pair will stay intact in the hearts of all ice skaters striving to reach the same goals these remarkable athletes were destined to conquer.
Feature Image Credit: (US Figure Skating)