The figure skating world is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 14-year-old Everly Livingston, a promising young skater who once dreamed of representing Team USA, after she perished alongside her family in a devastating plane collision over Washington, D.C.

Everly, her 11-year-old sister Alydia, and their parents, Peter and Donna Livingston, were aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 when it collided mid-air with an Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on January 29th. The Virginia-based family was returning home from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, where Everly and Alydia had attended the National Development Camp with fellow skaters.

Everly, a talented skater known for her grace and dedication, had once shared her hopes for the future in a touching interview with FOX5 DC. “My goals are to actually be a part of Team USA and travel around the world,” she said.

While Everly was described as “shy and reserved” compared to her younger sister, she was a force to be reckoned with on the ice. A sectional champion at both the intermediate and juvenile levels, she found her voice in skating and was seen as a rising star within the Washington Figure Skating Club. Alongside Alydia, the two were affectionately known as the “Ice Skating Sisters,” frequently sharing their routines and achievements on social media.

Their final Instagram post shared just five days before their tragic deaths, captured them smiling in front of the ice rink at Nationals. “If you look closely at Alydia’s badge… We were born ready for this,” they captioned the image, brimming with excitement and confidence.

Everly’s coach, Inna Volyanskaya, had taken to social media to celebrate her skater’s recent accomplishments just hours before the accident. “Congratulations to Everly and Franco for making it to the national development camp for their second year,” she wrote. “So proud of all their hard work and training they have done to get here. What an amazing way to start off the year!”

The Livingston sisters were among 14 members of the U.S. Figure Skating community aboard the ill-fated flight, leaving behind a grieving skating world that had watched their talents flourish.

Their loss is a reminder of how precious and fleeting life can be. While Everly’s dream of skating for Team USA was tragically cut short, her passion, dedication, and love for the sport will continue to inspire young skaters for years to come.