A devastating midair collision near Washington, D.C., has left the nation in mourning. The crash, which involved a commercial airliner and a military helicopter, resulted in the loss of all on board, including several members of the figure skating community.
The U.S. Figure Skating Association confirmed that athletes, coaches, and their families were among the victims. Reports indicate that former world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were on the ill-fated flight, according to Russian news sources.
No Survivors Expected
Authorities have confirmed that there are no expected survivors following the tragic accident. The collision occurred around 9:00 PM local time as the passenger plane approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The aircraft was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the Army helicopter had three soldiers on board for a training mission.
Emergency crews have since transitioned to a recovery operation, with officials reporting that 28 bodies have been recovered so far. Fire Chief John Donnelly described the situation as “highly complex,” citing harsh weather conditions, freezing temperatures, and the challenges of working in dark waters.
Disturbing footage from a nearby building captured the moment of impact, showing a massive explosion before both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River.
Skating Community in Mourning
As more details emerge, it has been confirmed that the skating world has suffered a profound loss. U.S. Figure Skating released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy.
“We are heartbroken to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends, and coaches, were among those on board,” the organization said.
According to Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, two young skaters, their parents, and two respected Russian coaches were among those killed. Skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, as well as coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, lost their lives in the crash.
The Russian news agency Tass also confirmed the deaths of Shishkova and Naumov, who were world champions in pairs skating in 1994. The couple had moved to the United States in the late 1990s to coach, most recently working at the Skating Club of Boston.
There is speculation that their son, Maxim Naumov, a competitive figure skater, may have also been on the flight. Maxim, a former U.S. junior champion, recently competed at the U.S. Championships in Wichita, where his parents were seen supporting him from the stands.
A Lasting Legacy in Skating
Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, originally from Russia, had been fixtures in the skating community for decades. They married in 1995 and continued competing together until 1998 before transitioning to coaching.
Their mentor, Ludmila Velikova, shared her grief at their passing.
“They were my favorite athletes,” Velikova said. “They became world champions in 1994 and were not just talented but also wonderful people. Losing them is heartbreaking.”
Fans and fellow skaters have expressed their sorrow on social media. One person recalled watching them compete, writing, “What a tragedy.” Another added, “May they rest in peace.”
Remembering Those Lost
The figure skating world, along with countless families affected by this heartbreaking event, is in mourning. As the investigation into the crash continues, thoughts and prayers go out to all who have lost loved ones.
During times of immense sorrow, the support of a community becomes a source of strength. Let’s honor the memory of those who perished and keep their families in our thoughts.