Figure skaters’ ‘final words to their son’ before American Airlines plane crash with BlackHawk revealed

On January 28, 2025, the world of figure skating was shaken by the tragic loss of Evgenia Shishkova, 53, and Vadim Naumov, 56, two former Russian world champion figure skaters, who died in a horrific midair collision near Washington, D.C. The collision involved an American Airlines plane, Flight 5342, and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, which both crashed into the Potomac River. The couple, once celebrated for their accomplishments on the ice, had been returning from the US Figure Skating Championships, where their son, Maxim Naumov, a 23-year-old Team USA skater, had just earned a fourth-place finish.

In the hours leading up to the disaster, Shishkova and Naumov had been in high spirits after speaking with Maxim, who had been competing in Kansas. The couple expressed their pride in their son’s performance at the competition, a rare and heartfelt moment of connection that would tragically be their last. However, Maxim was not on the ill-fated flight. He had left Kansas earlier and was not traveling with his parents when the accident occurred. The news of their deaths has left the skating community and their loved ones heartbroken, as the tragic events unfolded in the skies over the Potomac River.

The crash occurred as Flight 5342, a regional jet carrying 60 passengers, including several figure skaters, coaches, and family members, was approaching Reagan National Airport. The aircraft had been returning from the National Development Camp, an event for aspiring skaters and coaches. The Black Hawk helicopter, which was involved in the collision, was conducting a training flight when it collided with the plane, sending both vehicles plummeting into the river below. Emergency response teams were quick to deploy and began the search for survivors. However, despite their best efforts, no survivors have been found, and the wreckage continues to be recovered from the depths of the Potomac.

The loss of Shishkova and Naumov is particularly poignant for the figure skating world, as the couple was highly respected for their accomplishments on the ice. They won the World Championship in 1994 in pairs figure skating, a prestigious title that cemented their place among the sport’s greats. Their partnership was admired not only for their athleticism but also for their artistic expression, which captivated audiences worldwide. They were known for their precision, elegance, and connection, both with each other and with their audiences. Their achievements in the 1990s, particularly in their World Championship victory, placed them among the leading pairs in the world.

After their competitive careers ended, Shishkova and Naumov moved to the United States in 1998, where they transitioned to coaching. They became influential figures in the American skating community, helping to mentor the next generation of athletes. Their son, Maxim Naumov, followed in their footsteps and pursued a career in figure skating, representing Team USA in national and international competitions. Their influence on the sport, both in Russia and the U.S., is immeasurable, and their tragic loss has left a void in the skating world that will be felt for years to come.

Maxim Naumov, who had just completed his own successful competition, must now cope with the devastating loss of both of his parents. His bond with his parents was evident, as they had always supported his skating career, and the news of their deaths has left him grieving not only for the loss of his parents but also for the shared passion they had for the sport of figure skating. His fourth-place finish at the US Figure Skating Championships, while a remarkable achievement, now stands as a bittersweet moment in the shadow of the tragedy that struck his family.

The impact of this loss extends beyond Shishkova and Naumov’s immediate family. The International Skating Union (ISU) and fans from all over the world have expressed their condolences, remembering the couple’s contributions to the sport. Tributes have poured in from fellow coaches, skaters, and fans who admired the pair for their talent, dedication, and the legacy they left behind in the figure skating community. Their influence on the sport, particularly in the United States, is a testament to their skill and love for figure skating.

The tragedy also underscores the vulnerability of air travel, particularly in busy, densely populated areas like Washington, D.C., where both civilian and military aircraft share airspace. The investigation into the crash, which involved a commercial plane and a military helicopter, is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the cause of the collision. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are involved in the investigation, with hopes that the findings will provide clarity and lead to changes in safety protocols that could prevent similar accidents in the future.

As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on recovering the wreckage and finding answers about the cause of the crash. The search has been complicated by the icy waters and challenging conditions in the Potomac River, but emergency teams are committed to recovering any remaining victims and providing answers to grieving families. The figure skating community, meanwhile, is left to mourn the loss of two of its brightest stars, whose legacy will never be forgotten.

Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov’s tragic deaths represent not only a personal loss for their family but also a profound moment of grief for the entire figure skating world. Their contributions to the sport, their coaching, and their enduring influence on future generations of skaters will live on, ensuring that their legacy is remembered and cherished for years to come.