Skater’s Heartbreaking Detail About Plane Crash That Killed His Parents

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Maxim Naumov shared a heartbreaking detail about his parents’ deaths.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but share a heart-wrenching tale about the legendary figure skater, Evgenia “Zhenya” Shishkova and her partner Vadim Naumov. It turns out that they were among the 67 souls lost when an American Airlines plane tragically collided with an Army helicopter in January. What’s even more poignant is that their original plan was to travel on a different flight, but fate had other plans for them.

On a March 27 episode of Today, Maxim shared that his mother informed him about changing flights, and if possible, he would pick them up upon their arrival. He added that his mother usually contacts him immediately after landing via text or call.

Yet, mere hours after takeoff, the plane collided with a Black Hawk helicopter close to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in the tragic loss of all onboard from both aircrafts. Regrettably, 28 of these victims were part of the figure skating community.

Maxim went on, discussing how he’s been dealing with his sorrow. “They were truly wonderful individuals, their kindness was simply remarkable,” he said. “The path forward is tough and there are no shortcuts. One must persevere. I feel as though I lack the resilience, motivation, zeal, or commitment that one person typically possesses now. It’s as if three people have beenasked to carry on.

In early this month, a 23-year-old individual expressed heartfelt homage to his deceased parents by performing an emotional ice-skating act set to “Ave Maria” at the Legacy on Ice gala, which was organized to remember those who perished and support financially those affected – including the families, victims, and emergency responders – by a recent calamity.

Prior to commencing his act, which was captured in a video posted online, he paused to honor his parents. He did so by holding two white roses and setting them amongst other flowers on a table illuminated by candles.

He skated with sincerity, not focusing on specific moves such as steps, jumps, or spins. Instead, he allowed his emotions to guide him, and in that instant, he experienced something entirely new and unfamiliar within himself.

After finishing his stunning performance, Maxim was overcome with emotion and wept as the audience praised him with hearty clapping and stood up to show their admiration.

Looking back at that instance, Maxim shared with Craig that he felt a profound, intense love in that moment.

In light of the tremendous backing he’s been given, not just on the ice but off it too, he posted a message on social media to show his heartfelt gratitude.

Maxim expressed his heartfelt appreciation and love for everyone in a post on Instagram two days after the event, accompanied by a picture of him kneeling on the ice. He was at a loss for words to convey the depth of his gratitude for each and every one of you. Every hug, message, call, and prayer have touched him deeply, and he is beyond thankful for your kindness and support.

He went on saying, “Your affection has touched my heart deeply, making me tear up.” He added, “The kindness and understanding you’ve displayed have empowered me to carry on, step by step.

Keep reading to learn more about the American Airlines plane crash.

On the night of January 29th, American Airlines flight 5342, departing from Wichita, Kansas and bound for Washington, D.C., experienced a collision with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter in the vicinity of the Reagan National Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration verified this incident on their social media platform, formerly known as Twitter. Both the aircraft carrying 60 passengers and crew members, and the helicopter with its three occupants, subsequently plunged into the Potomac River.

A Canadian-manufactured Bombardier CRJ-700 series twin-engine aircraft was flown by PSA Airlines, which is a subsidiary of American Airlines.

Initially intended as a rescue effort, the situation eventually evolved into a recovery operation, as it was tragically confirmed that all 67 passengers on board both planes had perished.

Washington, D.C. authorities expressed their heartfelt sympathy towards the bereaved families, as they face this terrible grief, on February 4th. They offer their sincerest condolences and pledge to stand by their side during these challenging times.

According to the latest report from the National Transportation Safety Board, who are overseeing the investigation, preliminary findings suggest that the helicopter seemed to fly above the designated 200-foot altitude limit for its flight path, based on data from air traffic control.

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

60 individuals aboard included 28 American figure skaters, trainers, and relatives, as stated by U.S. Figure Skating, who were attending a training camp in Wichita, Kansas.

The sports organization announced through a statement acquired by NBC News that these athletes, coaches, and relatives were coming back home following a joint National Development Camp with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Our deepest sympathies go out to the affected families as we grapple with this unfathomable tragedy.

The world champion Russian pair skaters, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov (who got married in 1995), were also among the passengers, as their involvement was verified by the sports authority.

Hamaad Raza, who had his wife on an American Airlines flight, was anticipating her arrival at the international airport.

He shared with CBS affiliate WUSA9, “I’m hoping beyond hope that someone is rescuing her from the river at this very moment.” He continued, “All I can ask for is that. I’m sending up my prayers to a higher power.

Kiah Duggins, soon to be a professor at Howard University School of Law, was also a traveler on the plane. The university announced that the civil rights lawyer, who graduated with a J.D. from Harvard Law School, is scheduled to start teaching at Howard this autumn.

According to Ron McLendon II, the deputy director of public affairs at 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, who confirmed this information to NBC News.

During the crash, it was revealed that the plane was engaged in a mid-flight training exercise.

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

These entities – the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Army, and National Transportation Safety Board – are jointly examining the incident, with the National Transportation Safety Board playing a primary role in the investigation. Additionally, the Pentagon has launched an independent probe into the matter.

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

Since February 4th, I’ve been anxiously following the progress of the NTSB investigators as they painstakingly transcribe the cockpit voice recorders from both aircraft. In their latest update, they confirmed that they are still hard at work. Alongside the Naval Sea Systems Command Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, they’re tirelessly recovering the wreckage from the Potomac River. I can hardly wait for more updates on this fascinating mystery!

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

The White House has confirmed that it has been fully informed about the tragic incident happening at Reagan National Airport. May those who perished rest in peace. I am deeply appreciative of the remarkable efforts made by our emergency responders. I’m keeping a close eye on the situation and will share further updates as they become available.

It has been confirmed that Ilia Malinin, the three-time consecutive U.S. men’s figure skating champion, was not aboard the flight in question. On his Instagram Stories, he expressed his hope and concern for everyone who was on the flight, stating, “I wish and hope that everyone aboard is safe.

At a press conference, Mayor Lily Wu of Wichita conveyed her feelings of sorrow, stating that the city was experiencing a profound sense of weight on its heart.

She expressed her condolences with everyone affected, stating that this unfortunate event will bond the people of Washington, D.C., and Wichita, Kansas, for eternity.

2-time Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan expressed a heartfelt statement to media outlets following the tragic accident involving six skaters from the Skating Club of Boston, a club she too was previously associated with as a trainee.

Kerrigan expressed, with visible emotion, “All I really desired was to be present and contribute to our group.” He continued, “Discovering that some of the individuals aboard the plane were acquainted with me, only amplifies the pain.

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2025-03-27 19:17