The figure skating community is grieving following a tragic midair collision near Washington, D.C., that took the lives of esteemed coaches and former world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. The pair were among the passengers on American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 29.
The devastating crash, captured in haunting footage, sent both aircraft into the icy Potomac River, where rescue teams have been working under harsh conditions. So far, 28 victims have been recovered.
Rising skating star Spencer Lane also perished, ending his Olympic aspirations far too soon. Their son, Maxim Naumov, survived the tragedy but now faces overwhelming loss.
President Trump has raised concerns about the crash’s cause, and investigations are ongoing. As the skating world mourns, tributes pour in, and a vigil in Wichita will honor the victims’ lasting legacies as champions and mentors.
