The figure skating world is grappling with a devastating week, marked by the tragic loss of 14 community members in a mid-air plane collision in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, and the passing of two-time Olympic gold medalist and broadcasting icon Dick Button at age 95 just a day later.

The coincidence of these losses has deeply affected the skating community. 1988 Olympic gold medalist Brian Boitano expressed his grief on social media, mourning both the young talents lost in the crash and the passing of Button, whom he called a friend and a legend. Former sports reporter Michele Tafoya also shared her condolences, imagining Button welcoming the young skaters in the afterlife.

Button's achievements in figure skating are unparalleled. He secured two Olympic gold medals, five world championships, seven U.S. titles, and three North American titles. He was a true innovator, being the first to successfully land a double axel and a triple jump in competition, feats that propelled him to Olympic victory. Following his illustrious skating career, Button transitioned to broadcasting, becoming known as "The Voice of Figure Skating."

U.S. Figure Skating released a statement honoring Button's revolutionary contributions to the sport, both through his innovative skating style and his influential commentary. They extended condolences to his family and loved ones. Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton, a close friend of Button, appeared on TODAY, visibly emotional as he discussed the recent tragedies. Hamilton, who was at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, personally knew some of the victims of the plane crash, including world champion pairs skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.