Los Angeles, California — Fil-Am figure skater Jon Maravilla is grieving the loss of teammates in a tragic plane crash near Washington, D.C., Wednesday night. The U.S. Nationals junior champion also addressed circulating reports that he was barred from the fatal flight.
Maravilla and teammate Saya Carpenter recently placed third at the U.S. Nationals in Wichita, Kansas. Following the competition, skaters attended a training camp. Fourteen members of the figure skating community, including Maravilla’s teammates, perished in the collision between an American Airlines flight and a helicopter.
Contrary to reports, Maravilla clarified on Instagram that he was not scheduled for the D.C. flight. He stated he was denied boarding a separate flight to Detroit due to his dog’s size. He expressed deep sorrow for his fallen teammates, saying his heart goes out to the victims, and he cannot believe this is real. He remains in shock, lamenting so many friends gone too soon and wishing them rest.
U.S. Figure Skating confirmed multiple members of their community were aboard the flight returning from the Wichita camp. Maravilla has honored his teammates and shared a GoFundMe campaign to support the victims’ families. The Philippine National Police also announced that Col. Pergentino N. Malabad was among the deceased. The National Transportation Safety Board, FAA, and U.S. Army are investigating the incident.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims of this devastating plane crash. Those wishing to support their families can donate to the GoFundMe campaign established in their honor.
