Cory Haynos was tragically killed in the American Airlines flight 5342 crash into the Potomac River, just hours after showcasing his talent at the U.S. National Development Camp. The 16-year-old skater impressed coaches by landing a triple axel, a challenging figure skating jump, during a special training session at the camp. The camp was a showcase for the brightest young skaters in the country, and Haynos’ achievement was met with excitement and joy among the coaching panel.
The level of excitement at the camp was described as extraordinary, but the mood quickly turned somber as news of the crash spread. Cory, along with his parents Roger and Stephanie Haynos, were among the victims of the tragic incident. The Skating Club of Northern Virginia, to which Cory belonged, expressed their profound grief over the loss of the figure skaters in the crash. The skating community in Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., Boston, and across the nation mourned the loss of talented young athletes.
The Skating Club of Boston also suffered a significant loss, with six members of their community perishing in the crash, including Spencer Lane and Jinna Han, both 16-year-old figure skaters. The skating clubs paid tribute to the victims, honoring their passion for the sport, the friendships they had formed, and the joy they brought to the ice. The absence of these skaters was deeply felt within the community, leaving an indescribable void.
Roger Haynos, Cory’s father, was remembered for his love and dedication to his family. He and his wife were flying back from the U.S. Ice Skating Championships in Kansas with their son when the tragedy occurred. Cory was seen as a promising skater with a bright future ahead of him, potentially representing the country in future Olympic Games. The heartbreaking accident claimed the lives of a total of 67 individuals, including the talented figure skaters who had a promising future ahead of them.