Fugate twins place fourth in U.S. Figure Skating Championship

Clara and Warren Fugate at the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championship competition in Wichita, Kan. Photo courtesy of Michelle Fugate.

by Marsha Chartrand

It was a triumphant week for the Fugate twins, ending with a pewter medal and current ranking of fourth place in the nation for their efforts in ice dancing at the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championship, which ran January 20–26 in Wichita, Kan. Afterward, Warren, Clara, and their mom, Michelle Fugate, boarded their plane to Detroit to come back home.

Little did they know that some who attended the competition would never arrive at home. On January 29, skaters, coaches, and family members flying to Washington, D.C., following the post-competition National Development Camp were among those on board American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided mid-air with a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River.

“The skating community is small so everyone knows everyone; and even if someone doesn’t know that person they know someone who does,” said Michelle Fugate. “We suffered a horrible loss of life and talent.

“(The) kids are processing that loss of teammates and future teammates. We are getting ready to leave for Italy with heavy hearts.”

The community offers congratulations on your great success, Clara and Warren, and much sympathy for your loss.

Photo courtesy of Michelle Fugate.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.