The tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C., involving a passenger plane and a military helicopter, has shaken the entire nation.
The U.S. Figure Skating Association confirmed that skaters, officials, and their family members were on board the flight.
Among those reportedly involved, according to the Russian news agency Tass, were former world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.
No survivors in tragic the collision
Authorities have stated that no survivors are expected after a tragic midair collision between a passenger jet and an Army helicopter near D.C.’s Reagan National Airport.
On Thursday, the fire and EMS chief confirmed that crews have transitioned to a recovery operation. So far, 28 bodies have been recovered, including 27 from the plane and one from the Black Hawk helicopter, according to ABC News.
Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly referred to the situation as “highly complex,” noting the challenging conditions, including strong winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility in the dark waters.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that around 9:00 PM local time, a passenger plane collided with a U.S. Army helicopter as it was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Reports indicate that the commercial passenger jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military helicopter had three soldiers aboard, reportedly on a training mission.
Disturbing CCTV footage from a nearby building has emerged online, capturing the moment of the collision. A massive explosion of flames erupts on impact, with both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River shortly afterward.
Skaters and coaches among victims
As more details emerge about the tragic crash, pieces of the puzzle are starting to fall into place regarding who was aboard the plane.
For example, U.S. Figure Skating previously confirmed that several skaters, coaches, and family members were on the commercial flight after attending a development camp that followed the national championships, which wrapped up Sunday in Wichita, Kansas.
“We are heartbroken to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends and coaches, are understood to be among those on board,” U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Later in the day, more details emerged. Two young figure skaters, two of their parents, and two highly-regarded Russian figure skating coaches were among those killed, according to Doug Zeghibe, the chief executive at the Skating Club of Boston.
According to AP, Zeghibe said that skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane were among those killed, along with coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.
“This will have long-reaching impacts for our community,” he said during a news conference where he was visibly emotional.
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Russian skating legends confirmed dead
Russian news sources also confirmed the tragic loss of former world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. The Kremlin confirmed that the renowned pair were aboard the flight. Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were celebrated skaters in their own right, having won the pairs world title in 1994 in Chiba, Japan.
After their competitive careers, they relocated to the U.S. to pursue coaching, initially at the International Skating Center in Connecticut, and, since 2017, at the Skating Club of Boston.
Reports have indicated that their son, Maxim Naumov, a competitive skater who recently competed in the U.S. Championships in Wichita, might have been on the flight. Maxim, a former U.S. junior champion, has placed fourth at senior nationals for the past three years, just missing the podium this past Sunday while his parents were in the stands at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita.
Figure skating community mourns
Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, a pair of Russian-born figure skating coaches, had made the U.S. their home since at least 1998.
The couple, who married on August 7, 1995, not only had a personal relationship but also competed together on the ice until 1998.
Both hailing from Soviet Leningrad, Naumov, who was three years older than Shishkova, began skating at the age of 10 in 1979. Shishkova, on the other hand, started skating at 8 and initially trained as a singles skater for three years before switching to pairs and partnering with Naumov, according to Daily Mail.
The figure skating community and fans have expressed their shock and sorrow over the tragic news. One person shared on social media, “I remember them competing. What a tragedy.” Another wrote, “May they all rest in peace.”
Ludmila Velikova, their childhood coach, expressed her deep sorrow at the tragic loss. ”They were my favorite sports people,” Velikova shared with Daily Mail.
”They were part of my first attempt at the world championships and became champions in 1994. They were talented and beautiful people.”
She continued, ”Apart from anything else, they were like my children. Zhenya (Shishkova) trained with me from the age of 11, and Vladik (Naumov) from age 14. What’s happened is awful. The best people have been taken away from us.”
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. In times like these, it’s the love and support of those around us that help us navigate through unimaginable pain. Let’s hold their memory close and keep their families in our thoughts as we await more updates on this heartbreaking story.
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