Tragic Loss: U.S. and Russian Figure Skaters Killed in D.C. Plane Crash/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Among the passengers killed in the American Airlines crash near Washington, D.C., were U.S. and Russian figure skaters returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, along with their coaches and family members. The collision with an Army Black Hawk helicopter sent the plane into the icy waters of the Potomac River, with authorities now shifting to a recovery operation. Russian champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were confirmed among the victims, as the skating world mourns this devastating loss.
Figure Skaters Among Victims in American Airlines Tragedy: Quick Looks
- No Survivors Expected: All 64 passengers and crew members, along with three Army soldiers, are presumed dead.
- Figure Skaters & Coaches on Board: Many were returning from a training camp following the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
- Russian Champions Among the Victims: Former world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were confirmed among the deceased.
- International Skating Union Reacts: The ISU expressed shock and heartbreak over the tragedy.
- Authorities Focus on Recovery Efforts: Emergency crews are retrieving remains and investigating the collision.
Tragic Loss: U.S. and Russian Figure Skaters Killed in D.C. Plane Crash
Skating Community Mourns Loss of Athletes in Plane Crash
Skaters and Coaches Among Victims of Midair Collision
The figure skating world was left devastated after learning that several athletes, coaches, and family members were aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a military helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.
“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” said U.S. Figure Skating in a statement.
Russian Champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov Among the Dead
Two of the victims were renowned Russian figure skating coaches, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who won the 1994 pairs world championship.
- The Skating Club of Boston listed them as coaches.
- Their son, Maxim Naumov, is a competitive figure skater for Team USA.
- The Kremlin confirmed their deaths, offering condolences to their families.
“Unfortunately, we see that this sad information is being confirmed. Bad news today from Washington,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Authorities Shift to Recovery Operation
Rescue teams searched the Potomac overnight, but by Thursday morning, officials announced that no survivors were expected.
“We are now at the point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation,” said D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly.
The wreckage of both the plane and the helicopter remains in frigid waters, with divers and recovery teams working to retrieve bodies and personal belongings.
Final Thoughts: A Devastating Loss for the Skating World
The skating community, both in the U.S. and internationally, is mourning this tragedy, as the world loses athletes, mentors, and beloved family members.
As the investigation continues, the focus now shifts to honoring the victims and supporting their loved ones during this heartbreaking time.
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