Tragic Figure Skating Community Tribute

Maxim Naumov channeled his grief into a heartbreaking tribute.

23-year-old individual, whose parents – Evgenia “Zhenya” Shishkova and Vadim Naumov – were among those who tragically perished in the American Airlines plane crash with an Army Helicopter in January, honored them by participating in their shared passion: figure skating.

Approximately a month after the tragic accident on January 29 that claimed the lives of everyone aboard both planes, with 28 members of the figure skating community among them, Maxim took part in the March 2 “Ice Legacy” event as a tribute to those who perished and to support the families of the victims and the first responders who assisted during the aftermath of the disaster.

In his regular performance, Maxim, aged 23, executed a solo routine set to the melody of “Ave Maria.” The stage lights trailed him as he paid homage to his parents, who were once renowned World Champions in figure skating.

In a video posted on social media, it was noticed that prior to his performance, Maxim was seen carrying two white roses and setting them on a florally adorned table. This act was a heartfelt tribute to his deceased parents during the show.

As the performance ended, with Maxim completing it on his knees, he became visibly moved, placing a hand over his mouth and wiping away tears as the audience praised his efforts with thunderous applause and a prolonged standing ovation. He also carried a candle as he exited the ice rink.

The gathering featured more than thirty figure skaters taking part, among them was the U.S. titleholder Johnny Weir, who addressed the effects of the accident within the skating community.

In his conversation with People, Johnny expressed that being an athlete means learning to stay calm under pressure and persevere through challenges that impact your community. Since our community is relatively small, you may not personally know everyone, but everyone feels like family somehow.

He went on to say, ‘With all the young skaters around, I want to demonstrate that it’s alright to persist, to keep dreaming, and to shine for those we’ve sadly parted ways with. The loss of these skaters has taken away a generation filled with aspirations.’

At the gathering, more than thirty figure skaters took part, among them being the U.S. title holder, Johnny Weir. He addressed the effect that the unfortunate incident had on the skating fraternity.

Johnny expressed to People that as an athlete, one learns to remain calm under pressure and persevere through challenges affecting the community. Since our community is small, it doesn’t matter if you don’t personally know everyone; they are like family in some sense.

He added, ‘With all these young skaters around, I want to demonstrate that it’s alright to persist, to aspire, and to shine brightly for those we’ve tragically lost. The loss of these skaters has taken away a generation filled with dreams.’

Ted Leonsis, leader of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, along with Ari Zakarian, a prominent figure skating agent instrumental in organizing the event, shared insights on what drove the whole initiative.

He expressed his concern for every family who has lost one or both parents and have children, ensuring they are able to manage. With costs like college tuition and additional expenses, he noted that a substantial amount of funds needs to be raised.

Keep reading for everything authorities have shared about the tragedy.

Ted Leonsis, the head of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, shared insights on the main purpose behind the event. He collaborated with Ari Zakarian, a prominent figure skating agent instrumental in organizing the planning process, for this endeavor.

He stated his concern for families who have lost one or both parents and have children. He emphasized that they may face college costs and other expenses, so it’s crucial to gather significant funds to help them.” (per The New York Times)

Keep reading for everything authorities have shared about the tragedy.

On January 29th evening, American Airlines flight 5342, en route from Wichita, Kansas to Washington D.C., experienced a collision with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter close to Reagan Washington National Airport. This incident was subsequently confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration via their social media platform, previously known as Twitter. The unfortunate event resulted in both the plane (with 60 passengers and 4 crew members) and the helicopter (carrying 3 people) crashing into the Potomac River.

A Canadian-manufactured Bombardier CRJ-700 model twin-engine plane was flown by American Airlines’ affiliate carrier, PSA Airlines.

Initially intended as a rescue effort, it eventually turned into a recovery operation, as it was sadly confirmed that all 67 passengers onboard both planes had perished.

Officials in Washington, D.C. expressed their sympathies, saying, “Our hearts go out to the families of those affected, as they face this heartbreaking event. We offer our sincerest condolences and pledge our ongoing support during these trying times.

According to the latest report from the National Transportation Safety Board, who are currently conducting the investigation, preliminary data suggests that the helicopter seemed to exceed the designated 200-foot ceiling on its flight path.

According to an NTSB update on February 4th, the data indicates that the Black Hawk was approximately 300 feet high as shown on the air traffic control screen at the moment of the collision. It’s important to note that this figure is rounded up to the nearest hundred feet.

Out of the total 60 travelers, there were 28 individuals associated with American figure skating – this group included skaters, trainers, and their families, as stated by U.S. Figure Skating, who were attending a training camp in Wichita, Kansas.

The sports organization announced through a statement that these athletes, trainers, and relatives were on their way home after attending a joint National Development Camp during the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. They expressed deep sorrow over this heart-wrenching incident, keeping the affected families in their thoughts.

In 1995, Evgenia Shishkova, a world-champion Russian figure skater, and her partner Vadim Naumov, also a world-class figure skater, were indeed part of the group, as confirmed by the sports administration.

Hamaad Raza, with his wife scheduled on an American Airlines flight, was expecting her arrival at the international terminal.

He expressed his hope to the CBS affiliate WUSA9, saying, “I sincerely hope someone is rescuing her from the river at this moment,” and that’s about all he could wish for. “All I can do is pray to the heavens.

As I embarked on this flight, I found myself seated alongside Kiah Duggins – an individual destined to become a professor at Howard University School of Law this autumn. The university itself announced that this esteemed civil rights attorney, who boasts a J.D. from Harvard Law School, was eagerly awaiting her new role within their esteemed faculty.

According to Ron McLendon II, the deputy director of Public Affairs at Joint Task Force-National Capital Region/Military District of Washington, it was confirmed by him to NBC News that the helicopter belonged to Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, stationed at Davison Army Airfield in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

The official revealed that the plane was engaged in a training exercise when it collided.

On the aircraft, we discovered Captain Rebecca Lobach (age 28), Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Eaves (age 39), and Staff Sergeant Ryan O’Hara (also 28) among the passengers.

These agencies – the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the U.S. Army, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) – are currently examining the incident, with the NTSB serving as the primary investigator. Additionally, the Pentagon has begun its own independent investigation into the matter.

In the ongoing investigation, Jeff Guzzetti, a former investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), shared with Today that the air traffic control communications from that particular night will undergo close examination by the NTSB. The controller involved in those communications will be interviewed, and the radar data will be thoroughly analyzed by the NTSB.

As of February 4th, investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are still transcribing the cockpit voice recorders for both planes. In a recent update, they also confirmed that they’re working together with the Naval Sea Systems Command Supervisor of Salvage and Diving to retrieve the wreckage from the Potomac River.

President Donald J. Trump shared his condolences about the tragedy.

The White House released a statement expressing that they have received comprehensive information about the unfortunate incident at Reagan National Airport. May those affected rest in peace. Kudos to our emergency response teams for their remarkable efforts. I’m keeping tabs on the evolving situation and will share additional updates as they become available.

It has been confirmed that Ilia Malinin, the three-time U.S. figure skating champion, was not on the flight in question. On his Instagram Stories, he expressed his hope and concern for the wellbeing of those who were on the plane, stating “I hope and pray that everyone on that flight is safe.

Wichita Mayor Lily Wu similarly conveyed her sorrow, stating at a press briefing that the city is carrying a weighty sadness in its heart.

She expressed her condolences to everyone affected, stating this unfortunate event will forge an unbreakable bond between Washington, D.C., and Wichita, Kansas.

Two-time Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan expressed a heartfelt statement to media outlets following a tragic accident that took the lives of six skaters who were once trainees at the same club where she herself had previously trained with Skating Club of Boston.

Kerrigan expressed his feelings, choking back tears, saying, “I simply desired to be present and contribute to our community.” He added, “Learning that some of the individuals on the plane were acquainted with me made the news all the more devastating.

2025-03-03 22:19

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