Chinese-American young figure skater dies in plane crash, shocking friends

“I am really shocked, I can’t believe this happened,” said 15-year-old Ray Tian upon learning about the tragic plane crash at Washington Reagan National Airport that claimed the life of his friend and former skating training partner, Edward Zhou. The entire figure skating community is plunged into grief.

On the evening of January 29, an American Airlines plane flying from Wichita, Kansas to Washington DC collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter in mid-air. The plane carried 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three military personnel onboard, all of whom perished.

Among the victims were 14 figure skaters, their family members, and coaches who had just participated in the US Figure Skating High Performance National Development Camp.

Two of the figure skaters who died in the crash were of Chinese descent, 16-year-old Edward Zhou from Virginia and 13-year-old Angela Yang from Delaware. Edward Zhou’s parents also perished on the same flight.

“I’ve known him since I was four years old, we often skated together,” Ray Tian, who resides in Virginia, recalled his acquaintance with Edward Zhou. They practiced together at the same skating rink from a young age, with Edward being a year older, acting like a big brother to Ray, guiding and training together.

“He always loved skating and was full of energy. I spent a lot of time with him, skating together for a year or two. He was always energetic, and being with him was enjoyable,” said Ray Tian. Edward Zhou was very helpful, always rushing to assist anyone who fell on the ice.

Upon seeing the news of the plane carrying figure skaters crashing, Ray Tian felt nervous immediately, worrying that someone he knew might be on the doomed flight. When he learned that Edward and his parents were among the casualties, he was shocked and struggled to calm his emotions for a long time.

“I really can’t believe this happened, it doesn’t feel real,” Ray Tian told Voice of America, as he continues to try to soothe his emotions, acknowledging the hardship of this tragic event on everyone who knew the victims.

Edward Zhou’s parents had accompanied their son to Wichita for a skating competition and training camp, and the family of three perished in the accident. Ray Tian’s mother, speaking to Voice of America, mentioned her interactions with Edward Zhou’s parents during her son’s skating events, describing them as good people. The news of their deaths also left her deeply shaken and struggling to cope emotionally.

“When I saw Edward’s name, I couldn’t believe it because I only knew him as Edward, without knowing his surname. So, I held on to a slight hope that it might not be someone we knew. But after confirming it was him, I felt very sad,” Ray Tian’s mother said.

Edward Zhou had trained at the Skating Club of Northern Virginia. The club, in an email response to Voice of America, expressed shock over the heartbreaking accident that has deeply affected Virginia and figure skating communities nationwide, mourning the loss of those who had a presence in their rink and community as irreplaceable.

A post on the skating website “The Skating Lesson” mentioned that Edward Zhou from Fairfax County, Virginia, was an only child. His parents always supported him in his practice and competitions. Starting skating when he was small, despite his size, he was fearless, always ready to try new things. His coach appreciated his resilience, as he would smile and even laugh after falling, always cheering for his fellow skaters.

Edward Zhou had won fourth place in the novice category at the Eastern Sectionals competition held by the US Figure Skating Association last November, earning him an opportunity to attend the training camp in Wichita in January. After the association uploaded a video of Edward Zhou’s performance at the competition, many netizens left regretful comments.

A user named “danniwang3443” wrote, “He was an inspiration at our local skating rink and will continue to be. Rest in peace.”

Another user, “Manderson3500,” commented, “Watching this video, he not only showed obvious talent but also grace. Very sad. Also, my condolences to your local skating community.”

User “k.h.307” said, “Such a young talent gone too soon. Condolences to his family, friends, and fans.”

On North American Chinese forums, many users expressed condolences.

User “xiaxie8” wrote, “Feeling very upset at the news of the plane crash, Edward was only 16. Though I never met him, looking at his Instagram, tears are flowing.”

Another Chinese figure skater who perished in the same crash was Angela Yang, residing in Delaware. Earlier on the day of the incident, she had uploaded a photo on her Instagram account with the caption “Having a great time at the training camp! Can’t wait for next year.” Her mother also perished on the same flight.

The post on “The Skating Lesson” mentioned that 11-year-old Angela Yang and Sean Kay remained undefeated in this season’s juvenile ice dance competitions. This talented duo had grand plans for their future. Angela began her career in solo dance, dreaming of skating with a partner. Her mother, Lily, decided to move from Maryland to Delaware to homeschool her daughter, supporting Angela’s skating dreams. Angela’s father remained in China, while her mother raised their three children and nurtured Angela’s skating aspirations.

The post noted the tragedy of Angela and her mother’s deaths, leaving behind the father and two siblings.