Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, champion figure skaters, perished in DC Disaster


A devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C. has claimed multiple lives, including former world champion pairs figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.
The married couple, who captured the world championship title in 1994, were aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. The pair had made their home in the United States since 1998, dedicating their post-competitive careers to training young skaters.
The flight, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with the military helicopter as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Emergency services launched a massive response, with approximately 300 responders battling darkness and cold conditions during rescue operations in the Potomac River. At least 19 bodies have been recovered so far.
The U.S. Figure Skating community has been particularly hard hit by the tragedy, as several athletes, coaches, and family members were returning from a development camp associated with the championships. In a statement, the organization expressed its devastation over the loss of members of their tight-knit community.
Messages of condolence have flooded social media, with many remembering Shishkova and Naumov's contributions to the sport. The couple's legacy extends beyond their championship victory to the countless young skaters they mentored over their decades of coaching in the United States.
Rescue and recovery operations continue as investigators work to determine the cause of this tragic collision.