Skating, Loss, and Solidarity: Examining Media Framing of Post-Tragedy Figure Skating News Coverage

Abstract

In January 2025, a Blackhawk helicopter and American Airlines flight collided above the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., killing all 67 passengers aboard both aircraft. Most adversely affected by this tragedy was the figure skating community, which had 11 youth figure skaters, four coaches, and 13 family members returning from a national development camp. Through the theoretical lens of framing theory, quantitative content analysis was employed to identify the most prevalent sources and frames used in national and international newspaper coverage of the Potomac River mid-air collision. Utilizing a LexisNexis database, relevant news articles published during the immediate aftermath of the incident were analyzed ( N = 388). Study findings revealed that the individuals quoted or mentioned most frequently were figure skating coaches, athletes, and U.S. President Donald Trump. When examining framing, the most prevalent frames were human interest, unity, responsibility, and systemic failure; all appeared in at least 9% of the coded articles. Study findings provide insight into evolving media discourses that manifest in the wake of sports tragedies and the frames that characterize the incident and communities affected. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.