The tragic plane crash of American Airlines flight 5342 on January 29, 2025, has left many hearts broken, especially those of the Livingston family’s friends and loved ones. On that fateful evening, the family was traveling from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C. when their plane collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The collision tragically claimed all lives onboard, marking the deadliest aviation accident in the U.S. since 2001.

A Family on a Dream Trip

The Livingston family was on their way to a Kansas figure skating competition when the tragic plane crash occurred. The family consisted of Everly, 14, and Alydia, 11, two talented sisters who were part of the Washington Figure Skating Club. Their parents, Donna and Peter, were accompanying them for the event. The family’s passion for ice skating was more than just a hobby—it was a way of life. Friends and family fondly remember Peter as a devoted father who always put his family first, even in the wake of the devastating plane crash that took them all.

Peter Livingston: A Man Who Made Dreams Come True

Peter Livingston’s lifelong friend, Ted Boyke, spoke to PEOPLE on January 31, sharing his heartfelt memories of Peter. Boyke and Peter had been friends since high school and shared many great times together. He described Peter as someone who never gave up on a dream, no matter how wild it seemed. One of Peter’s most unforgettable dreams was to build an ice rink in his own backyard for his daughters to practice on, a dream that now stands as a symbol of his dedication, even after the tragic plane crash that took his family.

“When Everly was born, Peter talked about building an ice rink in the backyard and getting her started in ice skating,” Boyke recalls. “I thought, ‘That sounds incredible, but how could that ever work?’” Yet, Peter didn’t just talk about it—he made it happen. He built the rink, which he named the Livingston Iceplex, where his daughters trained tirelessly. During the COVID-19 lockdown, when public rinks were closed, the backyard rink became their sanctuary.

The Livingston Iceplex: A Family’s Dedication to the Sport

Peter’s commitment to his daughters’ ice skating success went beyond just building the rink. He made it a priority to be present at every competition and practice, thanks to the flexibility his job as a real estate agent offered. “He was always there to help his daughters train and take them to meets,” Boyke says. Even after the devastating plane crash that took his family, Peter’s legacy remains a story of dedication, hard work, and a shared love for ice skating. The Livingstons were a true example of a family working together toward a dream.

Peter Livingston’s dedication to his daughters’ ice skating dreams went beyond just support; he created a space where they could truly flourish. The Livingston Iceplex, a backyard rink he built himself, became a symbol of his love and commitment. While most families had to travel to crowded rinks for practice, Peter’s daughters had the luxury of training right at home.

This unique rink was not just a place for practice— plane crash was a testament to Peter’s belief that with hard work, anything was possible. Even during the toughest times, like the COVID-19 pandemic when many rinks shut down, the Livingston Iceplex remained a constant, allowing Everly and Alydia to continue their training uninterrupted. Peter’s legacy is one of perseverance, selflessness, and the power of family, inspiring everyone who knew him.

A Legacy of Passion and Dedication

In the plane crash wake of this heartbreaking loss, Peter’s friend Ted Boyke reflects on the lesson Peter taught him through his life and dreams. “If you have a wild dream or a passion, just go for it. That’s what Pete did, and that’s the example I want to follow,” Boyke says. Peter Livingston may no longer be here, but his legacy of perseverance, love for his family, and commitment to his daughters’ dreams will continue to inspire those who knew him.

The Livingston family’s memory lives on plane crash, not just in the hearts of their friends and family, but also in the ice skating community that they loved so much. Their story is one of hope, ambition, and an unshakable bond that nothing, not even tragedy, can break.