Quinn Schansman dreamed of becoming the youngest-ever CEO of an American company. A decade ago, he’d just finished the first year of an international business degree in Amsterdam as a step toward that lofty goal. However, his promising future was tragically cut short on July 17, 2014, when Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 passengers and crew members on board. Among them was Quinn, the only American citizen on the ill-fated flight.
The Tragedy and Its Aftermath
Flight MH17 was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was struck by a surface-to-air missile fired from territory controlled by pro-Russian separatists. The incident led to a swift and intense international outcry, with investigations pointing towards the involvement of Russian-backed forces. Despite overwhelming evidence and multiple international investigations, Russia has consistently denied responsibility, attributing the tragedy to various other causes.
In the wake of the crash, families of the victims were left to grapple with immense grief and a relentless pursuit of justice. For Quinn’s father, Thomas Schansman, the pain of losing his son has been compounded by the lack of accountability and remorse from the Russian government.
A Father’s Quest for Justice
Thomas Schansman has become a vocal advocate for justice, tirelessly working to hold those responsible accountable. Over the past decade, he has navigated a labyrinth of international legal systems, engaged with media outlets, and participated in memorial events, all in an effort to keep the memory of his son alive and to seek justice for Quinn and the other victims.
“The loss of my son is an unending agony,” Thomas reflects. “Quinn had such a bright future ahead of him, and to see that taken away in such a senseless act of violence is unbearable. What makes it even more painful is the lack of acknowledgment and apology from those responsible.”
The Fight for Accountability
The downing of MH17 has been the subject of extensive investigations by the Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team (JIT), which concluded that the missile system used to shoot down the plane belonged to the Russian military. In 2020, four individuals were put on trial in absentia in the Netherlands for their alleged roles in the tragedy. Despite these efforts, justice remains elusive for many of the victims’ families.
Thomas Schansman has been particularly vocal about the need for Russia to take responsibility. “An apology from Russia would mean a great deal,” he says. “It would not bring Quinn back, but it would be a step toward healing and justice.”
A Decade of Resilience
As the tenth anniversary of the MH17 tragedy approaches, memorials and commemorations are being held around the world to honor the victims. For Thomas and many other families, these events serve as a painful reminder of their loss, but also as a testament to their resilience and determination.
Thomas remains hopeful that one day, Russia will acknowledge its role in the downing of MH17 and offer a sincere apology. Until then, he continues his fight, driven by the memory of his son and the unwavering belief that justice will eventually prevail.
“Quinn was a remarkable young man with a bright future,” Thomas says. “He deserved better, and so did all the victims of MH17. We owe it to them to continue seeking the truth and holding those responsible accountable.”
Conclusion
The downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was a tragedy that shook the world and devastated countless families. A decade later, the pain of that day remains raw for many, particularly for Thomas Schansman, who lost his beloved son Quinn. As he continues to seek justice and an apology from Russia, his story is a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of the tragedy and the unyielding quest for accountability.
