Edward Yangbo Zhou

Edward Yangbo Zhou (16) tragically passed away on the night of January 29, 2025 after a US Army helicopter collided mid-air with their airplane (AA Flight 5342), mere seconds before they were about to land at the Reagan National Airport. Edward was returning with parents, Yu Zhou and Kaiyan Mao, from the 2025 US Figure Skating Championships held in Wichita, KS, where Edward was training with fellow elite skaters. His parents also perished in the accident. Edward, an only child, and his parents were inseparable until the very end – Yu and Kaiyan were incredibly supportive of Edward's figure skating ambitions, often traveling to competitions together to cheer him on. Edward's dreams to become an Olympic figure skating champion were destroyed by this tragic airplane accident.
Edward was born on August 15, 2008 in Fairfax, VA. He attended Mantua Elementary School and Frost Middle School. He was in the 11th grade at Woodson High School at the time of his death. Edward was talented and gifted, with many interests and ambitions, as a pianist, singer, and kongfu practitioner, but most importantly as a rising star in figure skating. Edward was a four-time US Figure Skating National Development team member, three-time Sectional Championship medalist, winner of the 2023 Potomac Open as part of the National Qualifying Series (NQS), as well as many-time medal winner of other competitions in the NQS. Edward was one of the best skaters in the country in his age group – at the conclusion of the NQS this season, Edward was ranked top 4 in the country in the novice men category in 2024. In addition to being a champion figure skater, he was also an outstanding musician, performing piano pieces in the Spring Music Festival for the past 10 years.
Edward had a very bubbly personality, always sunny with a smile that radiated pure joy. At family get-togethers and parties, he would always hug everyone, whether they wanted a hug or not. The holiday family parties were all the more festive and lively with Edward, who would always make speeches and try to organize games and activities, including card and board games. As an avid singer, he especially loved karaoke, proudly exhibiting his wide vocal range. Future family gatherings will never be the same.
Edward's friends, who referred to him as "Eddie", also recount not only his energetic personality, but also his academic prowess, particularly in science and math, maintaining good grades while balancing out his many other extracurricular ambitions. Not only that, but also he would share his knowledge, often helping his fellow classmates and skating friends with their homework. Edward also left strong impressions on many of his teachers. His Spanish and piano teacher both recall his humility, compassion, and respect for his fellow classmates. Edward even stood out to his kindergarten teacher as one of her most memorable students 11 years later, recalling his positive attitude and brilliant smile.
Edward is survived by Zhaodi Huang (grandmother), Huikang Mao (grandfather), Kaiying Mao (aunt), Jin Zhou (uncle), Wen Zhou (aunt), along with several cousins he was close to and grew up with, and other extended family members.
A private funeral service will be held for Edward along with his parents at the Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home.