A devastating plane crash near Washington, D.C., has left the nation reeling in shock and grief. Among the victims were members of the U.S. figure skating community, including young athletes, their families, and esteemed coaches.
As authorities continue their search and recovery efforts, the figure skating world mourns the loss of some of its most beloved members.
No Survivors Expected in Tragic Midair Collision
Officials have confirmed that no survivors are expected after a midair collision between a commercial passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport.
The crash, which occurred around 9:00 p.m. on January 29, sent both aircraft plummeting into the icy waters of the Potomac River. As of Thursday, search teams had recovered 28 bodies—27 from the passenger plane and one from the helicopter.
Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly described the operation as “highly complex,” citing dangerous conditions, including strog winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility in the dark waters.
Disturbing CCTV footage from a nearby building captured the horrifying moment of impact, showing a massive fireball erupting as the two aircraft collided before crashing into the river.
Figure Skaters, Coaches Among the Victims
As authorities work to confirm the identities of those lost in the tragedy, it has been revealed that skaters, coaches, and their families were among those on board.
The U.S. Figure Skating Association released a heartbreaking statement confirming the loss.
“We are devastated to learn that members of our figure skating community were among those on board. Our thoughts are with their loved ones and all who are affected by this unimaginable tragedy.”
Later, additional details emerged, confirming that two young skaters—Jinna Han and Spencer Lane—were among those killed. Their parents, as well as two renowned Russian figure skating coaches, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, also lost their lives.
Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, struggled to hold back tears as he addressed the loss during a press conference.
“This will have long-reaching impacts for our community. It is a devastating day for figure skating.”
A Heartbreaking Loss for the Skating World
Russian news outlets confirmed that Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, former world champions in pairs skating, were on the ill-fated flight.
The pair won the world title in 1994 and later moved to the United States to pursue coaching. They had been coaching at the Skating Club of Boston since 2017, inspiring the next generation of figure skaters.
Tragically, there are reports that their son, Maxim Naumov, a competitive skater who recently competed at the U.S. Championships in Wichita, may have also been on board. Maxim, a former junior national champion, had just finished competing while his parents watched proudly from the stands.
The loss has left the skating community shattered.
A Community in Mourning
Fans and fellow skaters have taken to social media to share their grief.
“I remember watching them compete. This is heartbreaking,” one fan wrote.
Another shared, “Such a tragic loss. May they rest in peace.”
Ludmila Velikova, the childhood coach of Shishkova and Naumov, was devastated by the news.
“They were my favorite athletes. Talented, beautiful people,” she said. “They were like my children. Zhenya trained with me from the age of 11, and Vadim from 14. This is an awful, senseless tragedy.”
As investigations continue and families process their grief, the world mourns alongside them. In moments like these, the love and support of a community become the strongest force in navigating unbearable loss.
Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this tragedy. May the memories of those lost be cherished and honored forever.