Laurence Owen

Laurence Owen, also known as Laurie, was an American figure skater whose career was cut short at its peak. She was the daughter of Maribel Vinson and Guy Owen, and the sister of Maribel Owen. At just 16 years old, she had already claimed the U.S. National Championship in 1961 and had placed 6th at the 1960 Winter Olympics. Her talent and promise were widely recognized within the skating community.

Tragically, Laurence's life and career ended on February 15, 1961, when the plane carrying the entire U.S. Figure Skating team crashed en route to the World Championships. She died alongside her mother and sister. In 2011, on the 50th anniversary of the crash, Laurence and the entire team were posthumously inducted into the United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame.