When an Army helicopter collided with a passenger jet at Reagan National Airport last Wednesday, Jan. 29, the tragedy killed 67 people. It ended their future hopes and dreams in an instant and forever changed the lives of those who knew and loved them. 

Photo Courtesy of Jeff Lancaster

Cory Haynos on the ice.

The victims included friends Edward Zhou and Cory Haynos, both 16. They attended Woodson High in Fairfax, skated at the Fairfax Ice Arena and were members of the Skating Club of Northern Virginia (SCNV).

They were among 14 ice skaters returning from watching the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kan., and participating in a developmental camp there for young skaters. Compounding the loss, the parents of both young men – Kaiyan Mao and Yu Zhou, and Stephanie and Roger Haynos – were also aboard the plane, perishing along with their sons. 

Expressing how “saddened and devastated” it is, Fairfax Ice Arena issued a statement saying, “We are mourning the heartbreaking loss of members in our skating community, who were some of our nation’s brightest rising stars in U.S. Figure Skating. Our deepest condolences go out to the victims’ families, friends and the figure-skating community.”

Edward Zhou

The Skating Lesson, an ice-skating website popular with the ice-skating community, wrote that Edward “was tiny when he first learned how to skate, but he was fearless and unafraid of trying anything new. It’s been said that his coaches loved coaching him because he always smiled and laughed every time he fell. Edward was known for relentlessly cheering on the other skaters. He was an only child, and his parents were always at the rink; [the three] traveled together everywhere.”

Woodson junior Cat Boyett has been friends with Edward since they were in seventh grade at Frost Middle School. “What stands out to me was his unyielding kindness to all his friends and everybody he met,” they said.

“He was one of the most outgoing people. Whenever I saw him in the halls at school, he’d give me the biggest smile and wave. His smile was infectious and just lit up the room.”

Cat and Edward both belonged to SCNV and skated together at its home rink – the Fairfax Ice Arena – until last year, when he moved to the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington. “He was such an amazing skater; he’d gone on to the National Development Team in the past,” said Cat. “Edward and other skaters from all over the country had qualified for the National Qualifying Series, and they got to go to the developmental camp in Wichita because of it. The camp ended last Tuesday.”

PSA Airlines Flight 5342 – carrying Edward, Cory, plus other local skaters and their families home to the Washington Metropolitan area – was some 15 seconds from landing on the runway at Reagan, last Wednesday, around 9 p.m., when the military helicopter collided with it. 

The impact caused the plane to break in two, plunging it and the helicopter into the icy waters of the Potomac River. A massive search-and-rescue effort ensued. But ultimately, the plane’s 60 passengers and four crew members and the Black Hawk helicopter’s three soldiers all perished.

“I found out Thursday morning when my mom told me,” said Cat. “I’d heard there’d been a crash, but didn’t know the details. And then I had this sinking horror and realization that Edward wasn’t coming back from Wichita. I had to leave school early – I was crying all day. And ever since then, I’ve been up and down.

“Thursday, at the ice rink, they’d set up a memorial table of flowers – which has now grown exponentially – and it was good to be with my community. A poster board was set up for each of the kids that skated there – Edward, Cory, Olivia and Brielle – with their photos on it, so people could write messages on it. There were also videos of each skater set up.” 

Olivia Ter, 12, and mom Olesya of Maryland, were on the plane, too, as were Brielle Beyer, 12, and mom Justyna of Aldie. “Last week, I was watching Olivia skate,” said Cat. “It’s just so surreal that I won’t see them again.”

Cat said Edward started skating at age 6. “He loved skating and being on the ice,” said Cat. “Edward was the reason I kept skating because he was my first friend at the rink, and we skated freestyle sessions together.” 

He was also a standout student, plus an accomplished pianist. His piano teacher, Livia Lai wrote on Facebook, “Edward was only 3 when he first joined my Yamaha group music class. He was funny, intelligent, compassionate, curious, enthusiastic and kind. Edward will be deeply missed.”

Indeed, Cat’s mom, Shari Boyett, called Edward “an outstanding, conscientious student with a passion for doing well in all areas of his life.”

“We’re both AP students, and he took classes like AP chemistry and computer science,” added Cat. “He wanted to someday do something in the STEM field [as a career]. Edward’s parents pushed him to excel in skating, piano and academics, but he loved it all. We were talking two weeks ago about how he felt about computer science and that he’d finally gotten a handle on it. He also got 100 percent on his AP chem test. And in November, he’d landed his first triple lutz. We were always thrilled for each other’s achievements academically and on skates.”  

Now, said Cat, the atmosphere at Fairfax Ice Arena is “so sad. A lot of the coaches there saw these kids growing up and basically raised them. I feel like there aren’t even words to describe how hard it is for me to know I’ll never get to see or hug Edward again. 

“He exuded so much joy. He could be silly – like when one of the coaches was filming a skating-skills test and he did funny things to avoid being on the video. He was thoughtful, too. For my 16th birthday last January, he got me a seafoam-green Polaroid camera because that’s my favorite color.”

On Sunday, the Fairfax Ice Arena skaters gathered for a private memorial to share their memories of their lost friends. And that same night and again this Friday, there’ll be counseling sessions at the rink. Woodson will also have counselors available.

To honor Edward, Cat will “keep on skating and striving toward my academic and skating goals. And I’ll hold the love Edward had for skating in my mind.”

Boyett said Edward’s parents came to the U.S. from China to study in graduate school and to have a better life. “They wanted a child for so long, so when Edward came along, he was their precious jewel. And it’s important that we keep his memory alive and keep him in our hearts.”

Since the crash, she said Cat’s received countless texts and phone calls from people expressing their support for them. “The arms of love extended from family, friends and the skate community have been tremendous,” said Boyett. “We have to grieve and feel our feels, but it’s my fervent hope that Cat will be able to live and skate joyfully in Edward’s honor.”

Cory Haynos

Cory Haynos qualified for the U.S. Figure Skating training camp in Wichita after placing third in his division at a sectional competition last November in Massachusetts. Former Swedish national medalists Kalle Strid and Mikael Olofsson were his coaches. And the day before the crash – on the last day of training camp, he landed a triple axel. He’s survived by his sister Emily, a college student in Ohio.

The Skating Lesson described him as “a powerful skater who dreamed of making it to Nationals as a

competitor.” And Robin Wilson wrote online that his mother Stephanie served on the board of the Skating Club of Northern Virginia, and his supportive father Roger even cut music for his son’s routines. 

“I remember Cory and his father Roger well,” added Wilson. “Dad used to pick up Cory from school to take him to skating practice or out-of-town competitions. His parents would send me clips of his performances. They were so proud of his talent and put their heart and soul into promoting his successes. May they all RIP and their memories be eternal.” 

There was an outpouring of condolences for Cory and his family on The Skating Lesson’s Facebook page. Cindy Rose called the crash devastating and sent prayers for all who died – and “especially for Emily, who lost her whole family.”

Nancy Kelskey said the tragedy was “just heart wrenching in every way.” And Betty Morgan noted that Stephanie Haynos subbed at her former school and Roger worked in IT before retiring from FCPS. “May they all rest in peace,” she wrote.

“I sat next to the parents for hours [last] weekend at Nationals and we talked about the balance of skating and high school,” said Sarah Hamilton. “They were so very proud of their son and his accomplishments. I was heartbroken for their daughter, Cory’s sister.”

“They were part of our local skating world; I’ve known them about 12 years, since their daughter skated,” said Haley Perez. “They volunteered and helped out everywhere and were so devoted. I just can’t imagine what Emily is going through.”

“Eddie Haynos (Roger’s dad) lost his only son, his daughter-in-law and only grandson,” said Marie Burnley. “My heart breaks for him. Emily lost her mom, dad and brother – heartbreaking. God, surround them with your love, strength and healing power.”

Matthew Alan LaRaviere of Southern Virginia said his heart was broken at the loss of his cousin Roger, plus Stephanie and Cory. “Roger has always inspired me by his absolute love for his family and dedication to providing only the best for his wife and kids,” he wrote. “Cory was an amazing skater with a very bright future with the U.S. Skating Team. 

“Recently in a conversation with Roger, he was excited about his son’s future and seemed honored that my wife and I were planning to travel north to see Cory perform. We all were expecting Cory to represent our country [someday] in the U.S. Olympics. While Roger, Stephanie, and Cory’s plane did not land safely back on this earth, their flight no doubt continued on into the arms of a loving Saviour ready to welcome them home. Please pray for their daughter Emily, my uncle Eddie, Stephanie's family, and all the others who are suffering.”

Jane Ellen said Roger “was so proud, sending screen videos of Cory’s recent progress; gone way too soon. Roger, my friend, I miss you already. My heart is broken. I’ll miss hearing about the kids and their success, both on and off the ice. Godspeed.”

“Such a tragedy,” added Monica Estevez. “Sending my condolences and prayers. Words cannot express the pain.” 

“Praying hard for Emily,” wrote Jen Marco. “Someone, hold this young lady close. Do not let her go.” And Erica Page Brewer said she “can’t imagine the unbearable grief Emily’s facing.” 

Ozge Ovun Sert wrote that “both Cory and Eddie were from my daughter’s high school. It is incredibly heartbreaking and devastating for the families and the community. I think this tragedy reminds everyone [of] the meaning of life and gratitude. We are alive today, but we may have been in that plane yesterday. They will always be remembered with their smiles.”

In addition, Olga Garrity – who coached both Cory and Emily – has set up a gofundme page to try to raise at least $50,000 for Emily, 19, to help her finish college and meet her daily expenses. Teacher Terry Barr implored, “I taught both Emily and Cory for years, and Emily needs our help. Please donate if you can.” 

Explained Emily Desjardins, “Emily Haynos lost her entire immediate family on the flight, at the young age of 19. The challenges facing her in the days ahead are enormous. I skated with Emily for many years at Fairfax Ice Arena, and she and her whole family were loved by all. 

“Roger and Stephanie were wonderful parents and so very proud of both Emily and Cory. They were the kind of people that were always the first to volunteer, always the first to help. In their memory, please consider donating to make the road ahead a little bit easier for Emily.” To contribute, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-emily-haynos-in-honor-of-cory-stephanie-and-roger?fbclid=IwY2xjawINLsxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHemPp0svoy81EemdbUIBGt_y8NPqAMj7kIkzSKrjnee807HLLeP2PNyD9g_aem_dh0ZrxCk1e5dg31VmBrWuA.

The First Baptist Church of Kingstowne, which the Haynos family attended, also established a donation site for them. Go to https://fbckingstowne.churchcenter.com/giving and select “Haynos Family Bereavement Fund.”

On Fairfax Ice Arena’s Facebook page, skating parent Leonard Tengco said everyone there – coaches, staff, skaters, parents – become like family. So when the unthinkable strikes, it affects them all. 

“The staff watched those kids grow up and blossom into nationally competitive skaters and are now left to endure the pain caused by their tragic end,” he wrote. “My heart deeply aches for my ice rink and the local figure-skating community. I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of those who have died.”

“So sad, so many, so young,” added Nancy Costello. “They are skating on the most perfect ice rink now, with their angel wings, as one big family.” 

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U.S. Figure Skating wrote, “We’re devastated by this loss and are holding the victims’ loved ones closely in our hearts. “We’ve established the U.S. Figure Skating Family Support Fund to provide financial assistance to [our] families directly impacted by the tragedy.” Go to https://secure.qgiv.com/for/usfigureskatingfoundation/event/usfigureskatingfund/.