‘Several Members’ of U.S. Figure Skating Team Onboard American Airlines Plane That Crashed Over Washington, D.C.

Several members of the U.S. Figure Skating team were among the 60 passengers traveling on the American Airlines plane that collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 29. This tragic incident involved renowned Russian world figure skating champions, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who were onboard the fateful flight along with their son Maxim. The American Airlines flight 5342 had departed Wichita, Kansas, before the devastating crash took place over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time, according to the initial statement from the FAA.

The U.S. Figure Skating community endured a significant loss as they confirmed the presence of their members on the ill-fated aircraft. The governing body expressed their sorrow in a statement, stating, “These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.” The statement further mentioned that the tragic event left them devastated, and they extended their heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families while keeping a close watch on the developments.

The crash, which involved 60 passengers and four crew members, occurred during the flight back from Wichita, where the 2025 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships had recently concluded. Among the passengers were the esteemed 1994 pairs figure skating world champions, Evgenia Shishkova, 52, and Vadim Naumov, 55, who had a remarkable career that included various accolades at World and European Championships. The couple had reportedly migrated to the U.S. post their competitive days and were actively involved in mentoring young skaters.

Maxim Naumov, believed to be the son of Evgenia and Vadim Naumov, was also said to be on the ill-fated plane. The young skater had participated in the recent skating competition in Wichita and had previously represented the U.S. in singles skating. The figure skating fraternity mourned the loss of these talented individuals who had contributed significantly to the sport over the years. The tragic incident not only affected the U.S. Figure Skating team but also reverberated across the broader skating community.

In the aftermath of the crash, rescue operations were swiftly initiated, and as the rescue teams worked tirelessly, the toll of the tragedy began to unfold. By the early hours following the incident, at least 19 bodies had been recovered from the Potomac River, while reports indicated that the U.S Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the collision had three soldiers onboard. The authorities were coordinating efforts to investigate the circumstances leading to the catastrophic event, as the nation mourned the loss of lives and the impact on the skating world.

As the details of the tragedy continued to emerge, the figure skating community and fans worldwide came together in grief to honour the memories of those lost in the accident. The contributions of Evgenia Shishkova, Vadim Naumov, and others onboard the flight were celebrated, reflecting on their enduring legacy and the indelible mark they left on the sport. The U.S. Figure Skating team faced an unfathomable loss, and as investigations progressed, the focus remained on supporting the families of the victims and honouring their lives and contributions to the skating world.

The repercussions of the tragic crash extended beyond the skating arena, prompting reflections on safety measures and protocols to prevent such incidents in the future. The community rallied together in solidarity, offering support and compassion to those affected by the heartbreaking loss. As the investigations unfolded and the impact of the incident resonated across the nation, the memory of the U.S. Figure Skating team members and all those onboard the flight remained alive in the hearts of many, leaving a profound void in the midst of the skating community.