Married World Champion skaters killed in DC plane crash

The devastating plane crash in Washington, D.C., involving a commercial airliner and a military helicopter, has profoundly impacted the nation.

The U.S. Figure Skating Association has verified that skaters, officials, and their relatives were passengers on the flight.

Among those reportedly involved, as stated by the Russian news agency Tass, were former world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.

Authorities have indicated that no survivors are anticipated following the tragic midair collision between the passenger aircraft and an Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport in D.C.

On Thursday, the fire and emergency medical services chief announced that teams have shifted to a recovery operation. To date, 28 bodies have been retrieved, comprising 27 from the plane and one from the Black Hawk helicopter, as reported by ABC News.

Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly described the situation as “highly complex,” highlighting the difficult conditions, including strong winds, freezing temperatures, and poor visibility in the dark waters. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that around 9:00 PM local time, a passenger plane collided with a U.S. Army helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Reports indicate that the commercial flight was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military helicopter had three soldiers on board, reportedly engaged in a training mission.

Disturbing CCTV footage from a nearby building has surfaced online, capturing the moment of the collision, which resulted in a massive explosion of flames upon impact, with both aircraft descending into the Potomac River shortly thereafter.

As further information about the tragic incident emerges, details regarding the individuals aboard the plane are beginning to surface.

For instance, U.S. Figure Skating had previously confirmed that several skaters, coaches, and family members were on the commercial flight after participating in a development camp that followed the national championships.A pregnant dog arrived at a couple’s home, and just a few days later, they found themselves caring for seven puppies.

Subsequently, further information came to light regarding a tragic incident. Doug Zeghibe, the chief executive of the Skating Club of Boston, reported that two young figure skaters, along with two of their parents and two esteemed Russian figure skating coaches, were among the deceased.

As reported by the Associated Press, Zeghibe identified the skaters as Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, and the coaches as Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.

“This will have long-lasting effects on our community,” he stated during a press conference, where he appeared visibly affected.

Confirmation of the loss of Russian skating icons was also reported by Russian media. The Kremlin verified that the distinguished pair were on the ill-fated flight. Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were celebrated figures in the sport, having secured the pairs world title in 1994 in Chiba, Japan.

Following their competitive careers, they moved to the United States to focus on coaching, initially at the International Skating Center in Connecticut, and since 2017, at the Skating Club of Boston.

Reports suggest that their son, Maxim Naumov, a competitive skater who recently participated in the U.S. Championships in Wichita, may have also been on the flight. Maxim, a former U.S. junior champion, has consistently placed fourth at senior nationals for the past three years, narrowly missing the podium this past Sunday while his parents were present in the audience at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita.

The figure skating community is in mourning for Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who had made the United States their home since at least 1998.The couple, who tied the knot on August 7, 1995, not only shared a personal bond but also competed together in figure skating until 1998.

Both originating from Soviet Leningrad, Naumov, who is three years senior to Shishkova, began his skating journey at the age of 10 in 1979. In contrast, Shishkova commenced her skating career at the age of 8, initially training as a singles skater for three years before transitioning to pairs and forming a partnership with Naumov, as reported by Daily Mail.

The figure skating community and fans have expressed their profound shock and grief in response to the tragic news. One individual remarked on social media, “I remember them competing. What a tragedy.” Another commented, “May they all rest in peace.” Ludmila Velikova, their childhood coach, conveyed her deep sorrow over the tragic loss, stating, “They were my favorite sports people,” as shared with Daily Mail.

“They were part of my first attempt at the world championships and became champions in 1994. They were talented and remarkable individuals.”

She further added, “Beyond everything else, they were like my children. Zhenya (Shishkova) trained with me from the age of 11, and Vladik (Naumov) from age 14. What has occurred is dreadful. The best people have been taken from us.”

Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this tragedy. In such difficult times, it is the love and support of those around us that assist in navigating through unimaginable sorrow. Let us cherish their memory and keep their families in our thoughts as we await further updates on this heartbreaking situation.