The tragic deaths of former Russian world champion figure skaters Vadim Naumov, 56, and Evgenia Shishkova, 53, occurred on January 28, 2025, when an American Airlines aircraft and a Black Hawk helicopter collided in midair close to Washington, D.C. The couple was returning from the US Figure Skating Championships when they spoke with their 23-year-old son, Team USA skater Maxim Naumov, who was proud of his fourth-place result. However, Maxim had already left Kansas and was not on the flight.

Flight 5342 was carrying a number of figure skaters, coaches, and family members as it returned from the National Development Camp. The 60-passenger regional jet collided as it got closer to Reagan National Airport. Sadly, the plane and helicopter crashed into the Potomac River, and the wreckage was recovered by emergency response teams.

Leningrad natives Shishkova and Naumov were well-respected in the figure skating community and took home the 1994 World Championship together. Maxim followed in their footsteps as a figure skater after they relocated to the United States in 1998 to coach. Fans and the International Skating Union offered their sincere condolences for the untimely death.

The devastating news of the tragic deaths of former Russian world champion figure skaters Vadim Naumov, 56, and Evgenia Shishkova, 53, has sent shockwaves through the figure skating community. The couple, who were returning from the US Figure Skating Championships, tragically lost their lives in a midair collision between an American Airlines aircraft and a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C. on January 28, 2025.

Prior to the fatal accident, Naumov and Shishkova had a heartwarming conversation with their 23-year-old son, Maxim Naumov, who is also a figure skater representing Team USA. Maxim, who had already left Kansas and was not on the ill-fated flight, had just achieved a commendable fourth-place result at the championships. Little did he know that it would be the last conversation he would have with his beloved parents.

Flight 5342, carrying a number of figure skaters, coaches, and family members returning from the National Development Camp, tragically collided with the helicopter as it approached Reagan National Airport. The aircraft and helicopter plunged into the Potomac River, leaving behind a devastating scene that was later recovered by emergency response teams.

Originally from Leningrad, Naumov and Shishkova were highly regarded in the figure skating world, having won the World Championship together in 1994. Following their move to the United States in 1998 to pursue coaching, they inspired their son Maxim to follow in their footsteps and become a figure skater. The news of their untimely demise has left the figure skating community in mourning, with fans and the International Skating Union expressing their deepest condolences for the loss of these two talented individuals.

The tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of fate. Naumov and Shishkova will be remembered not only for their incredible achievements on the ice but also for the love and support they gave to their son and the impact they had on the figure skating community as a whole. May their souls rest in peace.