Skating Dreams Shattered in the Sky

In Ashburn, VA, a quiet neighborhood was shattered by a violent collision over the Potomac River. A private backyard rink created by Peter Livingston for his two daughters. The girls, Alydia and Everly, would practice their jumps and spins in this rink whenever the weather allowed. However, it was the Ashburn Ice House where their dreams truly took shape. Their mother, Donna, was always there, often seen at the early morning practices. She would cheer her daughters alongside world-renowned skaters like Inna Volyanskaya. Alydia and Everly, known online as "The Ice Skating Sisters, " were on a journey to greatness. After receiving an invitation to a prestigious training camp following the 2025 U. S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, the family set off whole. The timing was perfect, as Alydia had just teamed up with a new partner, 15-year-old Matt Jacoby. Alydia and Everly were tearing up the ice with their skills and dedication. They were both known for their personalities and competitive spirits. On their return trip, it was a joyous time and the family was looking forward to being back home. But never made it home. A fateful trip turned into a tragedy when the flight crashed over the Potomac River. The plane smacked into the side of an Army Black Hawk helicopter. Many lives were lost that night. The girls were on that flight along with their parents and sixty other people. Three soldiers flying in the helicopter were also killed. The loss of two young girls was shocking to a community that loved them. At 11 years old, Alydia was the youngest skater on the plane and had a vibrant personality. Her partner, Matt, was devastated by the loss and said that Alydia's "passion for skating and bubbly personality brightened the rink. " Everly was shy off the ice, but her personality lit up on it. She would describe herself as the resilient person she was. She was a sectional champion and had won the Autumn Classic in Texas at the intermediate level. She was dedicated and hopeful to be in the Olympics. She tore her meniscus in her knee during the summer and had surgery, but this did not stop her from training. She pushed through the pain and earned a spot on the U. S. Figure Skating National Development Team. Everyone was shocked and saddened. With tears in her eyes, Helen Li, 13, described Alydia as "Lydia" and recalled the times they spent together. The girls were not only talented but also kind and dedicated. Zere Scholz, a skater, explained that Alydia was energetic and full of ideas and Everly was reserved but kind. The girls were very different, but they were both passionate about skating. The neighborhood was in shock. Doug Fague, whose daughter skated with the girls, said knowing the family, "He had a personality that was bigger than life, hard to contain, ". People were so shocked by the news. Families and friends across the country were devastated. The Livingstons were a loving family. The community is still healing. People still flock to the rink where the girls trained. Many bring flowers, balloons, candles, and cards to the girls' memorial. The community will never forget the girls. A family of four who loved each other and lived their passions. They will surely be missed.