On January 29, 2025, a tragic midair collision occurred near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. Among the passengers on the flight were renowned figure skating coaches and former world champions, Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. The married couple, who won the pairs title at the 1994 World Championships and competed in two Olympic Games, were confirmed to be on board by the Kremlin. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/43621460/figure-skaters-onboard-plane-crash-washington-dc?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Shishkova and Naumov had transitioned into coaching after their competitive careers, contributing significantly to the figure skating community. They were associated with the Skating Club of Boston, where they mentored numerous athletes, including their son, Maxim Naumov, a competitive U.S. figure skater. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/43621460/figure-skaters-onboard-plane-crash-washington-dc?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The ill-fated flight was transporting participants returning from a national development camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. U.S. Figure Skating confirmed that athletes, coaches, and family members were among the passengers. The organization expressed its profound grief, stating, “We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts.” ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jan/30/evgenia-shishkova-vadim-naumov-american-airlines-plane-crash-washington-figure-skaters?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
In addition to Shishkova and Naumov, reports indicate that other members of the figure skating community were on board. Athletes Jinna Han and her mother, Jin Han, as well as athlete Spencer Lane and her mother, Christine Lane, were among the passengers. Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, noted that “14 skaters returning home from the national development camp… were lost in the plane crash at Washington, D.C.” He further specified that six of these skaters were affiliated with the Skating Club of Boston. ([news.sky.com](https://news.sky.com/story/russian-world-champion-figure-skaters-on-board-american-airlines-jet-what-we-know-about-passengers-in-washington-dc-crash-13299383?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
This tragedy has deeply impacted the global figure skating community, evoking memories of past incidents that have profoundly affected the sport. The loss of Shishkova, Naumov, and other members of the figure skating family is being mourned worldwide, as the community grapples with the sudden and profound loss of esteemed athletes and mentors.
