A close-knit Virginia family, renowned for their lifelong passion for figure skating, was among the victims of Wednesday’s devastating plane crash near Reagan National Airport. The Livingstons—a family of four—were returning home to Ashburn, Virginia, after competing in a figure skating event in Wichita, Kansas, when their flight became part of a fatal midair collision.
A Family United by Skating
Business executive Donna Livingston and her husband, Peter Livingston, a real estate professional, were traveling with their two daughters, Everly (14) and Alydia (11), aboard American Airlines Flight 5342. The tragic accident, which occurred when the airplane collided with an Army helicopter, claimed the lives of 67 people, leaving a profound void in the lives of friends, family, and the broader skating community.
For the Livingston family, skating was more than a hobby—it was a way of life. According to close family friend Dalal Badri, both Everly and Alydia had been gliding on the ice since before they turned five. Badri, who has watched the girls flourish at Virginia’s Ashburn Ice House, recalled fond memories of the sisters following in their father Peter’s footsteps, who once skated at the Fairfax Ice Arena.
“Everly was such a shy girl, but so focused—and she just lit up when she got on the ice,” Badri shared. “Alydia, on the other hand, was always laughing, always ready with a joke. They had this incredible ability to bring joy, even in the smallest moments.”
Dedication Beyond the Rink
The Livingstons’ commitment to figure skating was evident in every aspect of their lives. Donna and Peter made countless sacrifices for their daughters’ passion, managing constant travel, scheduling private ice time, and even enrolling the girls in online homeschooling to keep up with their rigorous training schedules.
“He was such a dedicated father. No matter what, he always made time for them to skate,” Badri recalled. “You don’t see many families as devoted to skating as the Livingstons were. Donna was equally determined—if there was a problem, she’d simply say, ‘Don’t worry. We’ll make it work.’”
The couple’s tireless efforts paid off: the daughters competed nationally, earning several regional championships and excelling in both figure and roller skating disciplines. Their journey and successes were proudly shared on the family’s Instagram page, @ice_skating_sisters, which attracted over 20,000 followers.
Just 48 hours before the ill-fated flight, Donna had been excitedly discussing Alydia’s recent accomplishments—a high-development camp completed and an upcoming training camp in preparation for the next competitive phase.
A Community in Mourning
The tragic loss extended beyond the Livingston family. Among the victims was also Everly’s coach, Inna Volyanskaya, 59, a former competitor for Belarus and Russia who had made significant contributions to the Washington Figure Skating Club and even performed with Disney on Ice. Volyanskaya had recently celebrated Everly’s participation in the U.S. Figure Skating national development camp with a heartfelt Instagram post praising the hard work of her students.
Volyanskaya’s legacy as both an athlete and a mentor made the loss even more poignant for the skating community—a community that now mourns not only the promise of young talent but also the guidance and inspiration of an experienced coach.
Remembering a Legacy of Passion
The loss of the Livingston family—and the broader impact of the midair collision—resonates deeply within a community that thrives on passion, dedication, and shared dreams. As friends, athletes, and fellow families come to terms with the tragedy, memories of the Livingstons’ unwavering commitment to skating continue to inspire.
In a time of immense sorrow, the skating world honors the Livingstons’ legacy—a reminder of the beauty and resilience of a family united by both love and a shared passion for the ice.
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