Skater Speaks Out After Parents’ Tragic Tribute

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Maxim Naumov is feeling the love. 

Following a heartfelt homage to his parents Evgenia “Zhenya” Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who tragically lost their lives in the American Airlines plane-Army helicopter collision in January, the figure skater opened up about the overwhelming support he’s encountered from friends, relatives, and even strangers.

Maxim couldn’t find the right words to show his appreciation and affection for all of you. On Instagram, he posted a photo of himself on the ice during the tribute, expressing that every hug, message, call, and prayer has moved him deeply in ways he can hardly put into words. He is incredibly thankful for your kindness and support.

The 23-year-old shared that he’s been deeply moved by the touching messages he’s received.

Maxim went on, “Your love has touched my heart so deeply that it makes me tear up.” He added, “The kindness and empathy you’ve displayed have provided me with the motivation to carry on, taking things one day at a time.

He said, “This holds a deeper significance for me than any words I could express. From the deepest part of my being, I want to sincerely thank you for supporting me through the toughest period of my life.

Two days prior to his performance, Maxim choked up and wept during a routine at the Legacy on Ice event, a tribute to his mom Evgenia and dad Vadim who were champion figure skaters and won the 1994 World Figure Skating pairs title together.

Before skating to “Ave Maria”, the athlete brought along two white roses and set them on a table after starting his performance as a tribute to his deceased parents. Upon completing his emotional routine, Maxim knelt down, wiping away tears as the audience rose to their feet for a standing ovation.

Apart from Maxim, several other performers expressed their concerns about the unfortunate accident that claimed the lives of all 67 people aboard the two colliding aircrafts, among whom were 28 members of the figure skating community. Notably, U.S. champion Johnny Weir, who was also part of the March 2 performance, shared his thoughts on how this tragic event affected the sport on January 29.

In an interview with People, Johnny said, “As an athlete, you’re trained to keep your cool and persevere through any challenges that impact your community. Since ours is quite small, even if you don’t personally know everyone, they all feel like family somehow.

For more on the American Airlines collision, keep reading. 

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 unfortunate incident was later confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration via their social media platform, previously known as Twitter. The crash resulted in both the plane, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, and the helicopter with its three occupants, plunging into the Potomac River.

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

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

In a statement on February 4th, Washington, D.C., officials expressed their sympathy, saying, “Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragic event as they journey through their grief.” They also pledged to stand with them during these tough times, offering their deepest condolences and ongoing support.

According to the latest report from the National Transportation Safety Board, who are currently conducting the investigation, preliminary data suggests that the helicopter may have been flying above the designated 200-foot altitude for its flight path.

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

Out of the sixty travelers, there were twenty-eight individuals associated with American figure skating – skaters, coaches, and their families – who were attending a training camp in Wichita, Kansas, as stated by U.S. Figure Skating.

The athletes, trainers, and relatives were on their way home following the National Development Camp that coincided with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, as stated by the organization. Our hearts go out to those affected by this unimaginable tragedy; we keep the families of the victims near and dear in our thoughts.

The world-champion Russian pair skaters, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov (who got married in 1995), were indeed present as well. This was verified by the sports’ official organization.

Hamaad Raza, who had his spouse aboard an American Airlines flight, was anticipating her arrival at the international terminal.

As I sit here, heart pounding, my only thought is that someone is rescuing her from the river at this very moment. That’s all I can fervently wish for. In my deepest hopes, I’m sending up a plea to the heavens.

As a soon-to-be member of the esteemed faculty at Howard University School of Law, I was also a fellow traveler on that flight. The university announced that the accomplished civil rights attorney, who proudly bears the J.D. from Harvard Law School, is due to join our academic community this autumn.

According to Ron McLendon II, the spokesperson for Joint Task Force-National Capital Region/Military District of Washington, it was indeed a helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion stationed at Davison Army Airfield in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, that NBC News confirmed.

During the moment of impact, it was revealed that the plane was engaged in a training exercise.

The individuals aboard were recognized as Captain Rebecca Lobach (age 28), Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Eaves (age 39), and Staff Sergeant Ryan O’Hara (also age 28).

I’m absolutely hooked on every detail about this event! As an ardent enthusiast, I can’t help but follow the ongoing investigations surrounding the tragic collision. Interestingly, the National Transportation Safety Board is spearheading the probe, working closely with the FAA and U.S. Army. Meanwhile, even the Pentagon has jumped on board, initiating their own independent investigation. It’s a fascinating web of inquiry that promises to unravel the truth behind this unfortunate incident!

In the ongoing investigation, Jeff Guzzetti – a former investigator for both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – stated to Today that the air traffic control communications from that night will undergo thorough examination. This includes interviews with the controllers involved, as well as a detailed analysis of the radar data 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, as they stated in an update. Simultaneously, the NTSB and the Naval Sea Systems Command Supervisor of Salvage and Diving are working together to retrieve the debris from the Potomac River.

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

According to a statement from the White House, I’ve been informed about the unfortunate incident that occurred at Reagan National Airport. May those who have passed away rest in peace. I want to express my gratitude for the extraordinary efforts being made by our emergency responders. I am keeping a close eye on the situation and will share more information as it becomes available.

Ilia Malinin, the three-time U.S. figure skating champion (as of Jan 26 in Witchita), made it clear he wasn’t aboard the flight. He expressed his concern and hope for the safety of those who were, on his Instagram Stories, stating, “I sincerely wish and hope everyone who was on that flight remains safe.

Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, too, conveyed her sorrow, stating at a news conference that the city’s heart is filled with a profound sense of sadness.

She expressed her condolences to everyone affected, stating that this unfortunate event serves as an eternal bond between the residents of Washington, D.C., and Wichita, Kansas.

2-time Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan publicly expressed a heartfelt sentiment to journalists following the tragic accident that took the lives of six skaters who were once part of the Skating Club of Boston, a training ground she herself was associated with in the past.

Kerrigan expressed his feelings, choking back tears, by saying, “I simply wanted to join our group, to be present.” He continued, “Discovering that I knew some of those aboard the plane made this news all the more devastating.

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2025-03-05 01:20