An American Airlines regional passenger plane en route to Washington, DC, collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter late Wednesday. The tragic midair collision occurred as the aircraft was returning from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 64 passengers and crew members. Among the passengers were 14 figure skaters and trainers who had attended a training camp held in conjunction with the US Figure Skating Championships.
The plane was part of a traveling group that included noted Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. Shishkova and Naumov, world champion pair skaters who clinched the title in 1994, were returning after participating in events related to the championships. The couple, who married in 1995, ended their competitive careers following their attempt to qualify for the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998.
Their son, Maxim Naumov, a promising figure skater himself, had recently placed fourth in the US national championships in Kansas. Inna Volyanskaya, a former Soviet Union skater and coach, was also aboard the ill-fated flight. The Kremlin confirmed that Russian citizens were among those on board, while Russia's Figure Skating Federation expressed profound shock and sadness over the tragedy.
“Figure skating is more than a sport, it’s a close-knit family and we stand together,” – International Skating Union (ISU)
The International Skating Union (ISU) conveyed heartfelt condolences to those affected by this devastating incident.
“We are heartbroken to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends, and coaches, are understood to be among those on board,” – International Skating Union (ISU)
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.” – International Skating Union (ISU)
The US Figure Skating community is mourning the loss of its athletes and trainers in this unforeseen calamity. The organization expressed its sorrow over the incident.
“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” – US Figure Skating
Ludmila Velikova, a revered figure skating coach, shared her personal grief over losing Shishkova and Naumov. For Velikova, the two were more than just colleagues.
“They were my favourite sports people. They were part of my first attempt at the world championships and became champions in 1994. They were talented and beautiful people,” – Ludmila Velikova
“Apart from anything else, they were my children. Zhenya [Shishkova] trained with me from the age of 11 and Vladik [Naumov] from age 14. They were like my own children. What’s happened is awful. The best people have been taken away from us.” – Ludmila Velikova
The training camp in Wichita served as a preparatory event for athletes competing in or supporting the US Figure Skating Championships, which took place from January 20-26. This year’s championships saw participation from over 180 athletes.
