‘My heart is shattered’: Hall of Fame figure skater, Tennessean reacts to deadly plane crash

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Olympic Gold Medalist and Tennessean Scott Hamilton shared a message after learning that members of the figure skating community were on board American Airlines Flight 5342 when it collided with a military helicopter on Wednesday night near Washington, D.C.

Hamilton, who won an Olympic Gold Medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics, lives in Franklin and also runs a skating academy at Ford Ice Center.

His reaction came the morning after the crash. Officials said that all 64 people aboard the American Airlines jet that collided with a Black Hawk were feared dead.

There are no words. Nothing that can truly represent the devastation caused by the plane crash in Washington DC last night. A tragedy that claimed the lives of skaters, coaches, parents and officials. My heart is shattered for our skating community. Please pray for the families!

U.S. Figure Skating confirmed on Thursday morning that athletes, coaches, and family members on the flight were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.