Entire Johnstown Family Identified Among Victims of Flight 5342 Crash!
A woman from Johnstown and her family have been identified as victims of the American Airlines Flight 5342 crash. The tragic accident happened Wednesday night when the plane collided mid-air with a military helicopter just before landing at Reagan National Airport.
Donna Smojice Livingston, who was originally from Johnstown, was on board the flight with her husband, Peter, and their two daughters, Everly and Alydia. The family was returning home from Kansas, where they had attended the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Everly, 14, and Alydia, 11, were well-known in the skating world and had a strong online presence. The sisters, known as the “Ice Skating Sisters,” shared their skating journey with over 20,000 followers on Instagram, as well as on Facebook and YouTube.
Alydia, the youngest skater on the plane, was a rising ice dancer. The Skating Lesson Facebook page paid tribute to her, recognizing her talent and dedication to the sport.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where Donna graduated in 1999, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss.
“We share in the nation’s grief and heartbreak over this terrible tragedy,” said IUP Assistant Vice President Jennifer Dunsmore. “This loss touches us personally, as it includes members of the IUP family. We mourn with the Livingstons’ family and friends.”
While at IUP, Donna was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta International Fraternity. The organization also shared a heartfelt statement on Facebook, saying, “Alpha Gamma Delta is deeply saddened by the loss of Donna Smojice Livingston, her husband, and their two daughters. Our thoughts are with their family and the entire skating community.”
The tragic loss of the Livingston family has deeply affected those who knew them. Many friends have posted emotional tributes online, sharing their memories and grief.
Scott Molony, a college friend of Donna, wrote on Facebook, “The loss of Donna, her husband, and their daughters is heartbreaking. They were a beautiful family, an example of goodness in this world.”
Lauren Hackman Thompson, another friend, shared how her daughter and Everly were once close. She recalled how Peter built a skating rink in their backyard, saying, “I can’t believe this is how their story ends. It’s beyond heartbreaking.”
Cassandra Atkins, also a friend, wrote, “Skate in the white fluffy clouds, my beautiful skating sisters. You are now with the angels. RIP, Livingston family. You will always hold a special place in my heart.”
At Ashburn Ice House in Virginia, where the Livingston sisters trained, a memorial is growing in their honor.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy,” the Ice House shared on its website. “We are heartbroken to learn that our figure skating community has lost such bright young talents. We will provide more information as we learn more.”
The figure skating world, known for its close-knit support, is mourning this devastating loss. The Livingston family’s tragic passing has left a lasting impact on their community, friends, and fellow skaters.
