Former world figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and her husband Vadim Naumov tragically passed away in a mid-air collision involving an American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 29, 2025.
The figure skating world is mourning the loss of Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who lost their lives in a crash that occurred near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.
Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were not only celebrated athletes but also dedicated coaches who had relocated to the United States and were coaching young skaters in Connecticut.
The collision happened as the American Airlines flight, which had departed from Wichita, was on approach to land at Reagan National Airport.
The mid-air collision resulted in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River, with at least 18 confirmed fatalities and many more feared dead.
The crash has prompted a large-scale search-and-rescue operation, with emergency personnel working tirelessly to recover victims from the frigid waters.
Although intricate details about Shishkova’s parents are available, she undoubtedly made them proud with her successful career trajectory.
Parents of Maxim Naumov, Evgenia Shishkova, and Vadim Naumov Were Proud of His Achievements!
Their son, Maxim Naumov, a promising young skater who had been competing in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, was also feared to have been on board.
Thankfully, their son Maxim Naumov was not on the flight. He had left Wichita on Monday, a couple of days before the crash.
Evgenia and Vadim told Maxim that they were ‘proud’ of him after he took fourth place in the competition a couple of days before the crash.
My heart breaks for my skating family today and my thoughts and prayers go out to all those impacted by this horrible tragedy.
— Brian Boitano (@BrianBoitano) January 30, 2025
At a loss for words for my friends, Evgenia Shishkova & Vadim Naumov and their son Maxim. đź’”
Maxim started skating at age five, inspired by his parents’ successful career trajectory. Initially, he tried gymnastics but found his true passion in figure skating.
Over the years, he continued to excel, winning multiple national titles at various levels, including the U.S. junior national champion title in 2020.
Maxim made his senior international debut in 2020 and consistently placed in the top five at the U.S. Championships.
“We are proud of you, Maxim,” shared the couple in a heartfelt social media post published by Sankt-Peterburgskie Vedomosti, Russia’s historic newspaper.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Shishkova and Naumov competed in two Winter Olympics, finishing fifth in 1992 and fourth in 1994.
- They won their first major bronze medal at the 1993 World Championships.
- They won gold at the 1995-96 Champions Series Final (later renamed the Grand Prix Final) in Paris.
