Dear UD Community,

I am incredibly saddened to share the news that several members of the figure skating community connected to the University of Delaware were among those who tragically lost their lives in an aircraft collision last night in Washington, DC.

At this time, we are aware that Sasha Kirsanov, a former UD Figure Skating Club coach, was on the airplane. We believe two young skaters who were members of the UD Figure Skating Club also were on board. It is unknown at this time whether these young skaters — who are not UD students — were accompanied by their parents or other chaperones. Kirsanov and the skaters trained at the University’s High Performance Training Center, which uses UD ice rink facilities and has been the training home for many years of multiple world-class skating champions and competitors. The figure skating community is tight-knit, and many of our students and coaches have trained and competed alongside those who were lost.

More details will become known as the investigation continues. For now, please know that the University has support resources for those who may need them, and that information is provided at the bottom of this email. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all of the victims of this horrific tragedy. 

Sincerely,

Dennis Assanis

President