Renowned American figure skater Jon Marvel was meant to be on the ill-fated flight that collided with a military helicopter in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night. However, an unexpected restriction prevented him from boarding, ultimately saving his life.
Hours before the tragic incident, Marvel expressed his frustration on Instagram. In two now-viral stories, he complained about being denied access to the plane.
“Get me out of Kansas, please,” he posted. “The check-in agent said my dog was too big to board, even though this was our return flight.” Marvel lamented the ordeal, mentioning he now faced a grueling 14-hour journey.
– A Narrow Escape –
According to statements made to RIA Novosti, Marvel revealed that at least 14 figure skaters, along with their parents and coaches, were on the doomed flight. Among them were celebrated skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, former Soviet and Russian champions who won the World Championship in 1994.
The group had been returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championship, which took place in Wichita from January 20 to 26. Tragically, their return ended in disaster.
– The Fatal Crash –
The ill-fated Bombardier CRJ-700 was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. According to flight data, the plane was flying at 121 meters above ground at approximately 225 km/h when it suffered a rapid loss of altitude after colliding with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk military helicopter.
The devastating accident has left the skating community in mourning, reflecting on how fate played an ironic role in Marvel’s survival.
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