updated 5:04 p.m. ET Jan. 16, 2005

PORTLAND, Ore. - Angela Nikodinov’s right arm is bandaged and in a sling, and the light has yet to return to her eyes. Her emotions are still fragile and raw, and tears are never far away.

It’s only been a few days since the car crash that killed her mother, and she’s taking comfort wherever she can find it. Instead of going home to San Pedro, Calif., she was at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Saturday, surrounded by the friends who already have too much experience seeing her through tough times.

“I decided to come to the arena to be there for my friends who have supported me through all of this,” Nikodinov said Saturday, reading from a statement. “I would just like to be there and do the same for them.”

Nikodinov’s mother, Dolores, was killed Wednesday morning when the shuttle van the family took from the airport collided with another car. The van struck a barrier and overturned, killing Dolores Nikodinov. Angela Nikodinov suffered abrasions, contusions and cuts to her right wrist, but didn’t break any bones or damage any ligaments. Her father, Nick, has a few minor cuts.

Pashkevich remained hospitalized Saturday. He has a concussion, a broken bone in his neck and multiple cuts and bruises. A cut on his head required stitches.

“I would just like to have some private time for my family and I,” Nikodinov said. “After a few days, I’ll be in a better position to answer all of your questions about the accident. I just want to ask for your patience and understanding.”

Nikodinov watched the men’s final from a private suite at the Rose Garden, coming down during a break to read a statement to the media. She was accompanied by former U.S. ice dance champion Naomi Lang and Ivan Dinev, a Bulgarian skater who trained at Lake Arrowhead with Nikodinov.

Lang patted Nikodinov’s leg as she took a deep breath and began reading. Her voice was steady, but she began crying when she finished and Lang and Dinev hugged her as she walked away.

“I just want to thank everyone for all of their thoughts and prayers for my family and I,” Nikodinov said. “I look forward to getting back on the ice and being able to perform again.”

Tragedy and adversity have become the fabric of Nikodinov’s life. Her beloved coach, Elena Tcherkasskaia, a woman whom Nikodinov referred to as a second mother, died suddenly of pancreatic cancer in November 2001.

She missed almost the entire 2002 season with injuries, dislocating her left shoulder that February and again in September. While she was off the ice recuperating from the second injury, she developed a virus that sapped her strength.

In the fall of 2003, she had to be evacuated when the wildfires in southern California came near her training base in Lake Arrowhead, Calif.

“Such a tragedy puts everything in perspective,” Michelle Kwan said earlier this week. “I hope all the best for them. I hope they stay strong.”

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