On February 15, 1961, Sabena Flight 548, a passenger flight operated by the Belgian airline Sabena, tragically crashed near Brussels, Belgium. The Boeing 707 aircraft was en route to Brussels from New York City and was carrying 72 passengers and crew members, including 18 members of the U.S. figure skating team who were set to compete in the World Championships in Prague. The flight encountered severe complications shortly after takeoff, resulting in an uncontrollable descent and ultimately crashing into a field just a few minutes away from Brussels Airport.

Among those lost were several notable figures in figure skating, including such skaters as Laurence Owen and her sister, Maribel Vinson, alongside their coaches and numerous family members. The impact of this disaster was profound, as it not only ended the lives of many talented athletes but also cast a shadow over the sport, generating immense media coverage and public outcry. The close-knit figure skating community struggled to come to terms with the loss as they mourned the passing of their friends and colleagues.

In the aftermath, this tragic event fueled discussions about aviation safety and led to reforms in airline operations. The figure skating world honored the fallen with memorials, and the U.S. skating community worked to ensure the spirit of these athletes lived on through future competitions.