Thu Jan 30 13:21:51 UTC 2025: ## Tragic Mid-Air Collision Claims Lives of Renowned Figure Skaters
**Washington, D.C.** – A devastating midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night has claimed the lives of at least two renowned figure skaters, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. The 1994 World Figure Skating Champions were among the 64 people on board American Airlines Flight 5342.
The couple, returning to Washington from Wichita, Kansas, following a skating championship, were reportedly traveling with a group of young skaters and coaches. Their son, Maxim Naumov, a prominent Team USA skater, was not on the flight, having left Wichita on Monday.
US Figure Skating confirmed that several skaters, coaches, and family members were aboard the plane, returning from the National Development Camp. The organization released a statement expressing profound grief and offering condolences to the victims’ families. Reports suggest that as many as 14 figure skaters, along with parents and coaches, were on board. While a Russian news outlet published a list of 13 skaters believed to be on the flight, Russia’s figure skating federation confirmed that no currently active Russian skaters were among the passengers.
American Airlines confirmed that the plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The wreckage is reportedly submerged in the Potomac River, with the plane split in two. First responders are working in challenging conditions to recover victims and investigate the cause of the accident. The investigation will also include the circumstances surrounding the Black Hawk helicopter’s involvement.
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