The figure skating world is mourning after a tragic plane crash involved several of its members, including prominent Russian skating coaches Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, as US officials report no survivors are expected.
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Figure Skaters and Coaches
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Figure Skaters and Coaches
A mid-air collision near Washington DC has resulted in the loss of several lives within the figure skating community, including renowned Russian coaches.
A catastrophic plane crash occurred on Wednesday evening when a passenger plane collided mid-air with a US Army helicopter over Washington DC. Among the 64 passengers and crew members were notable figures from the figure skating world, specifically six individuals associated with the Figure Skating Club of Boston. The confirmed presence of former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who are now coaching, has devastated the skating community.
The Boston club’s CEO, Doug Zeghibe, shared with local media that the group included two young skaters, Spencer Lane and Jinna Hahn, both 16 years old, along with their mothers. The U.S. Figure Skating governing body indicated that several athletes, coaches, and family members were on board but has not released additional names as the investigation continues. Disturbingly, U.S. officials stated they do not expect any survivors from the tragic incident, with at least 28 bodies already recovered from the scene.
The flight was returning from a development camp in Wichita, Kansas, where the U.S. National Figure Skating Championships were held. The ongoing investigation reveals the profound impact of the accident on the skating community, echoing the tragic history of such events—most notably the 1961 plane crash that took the lives of the entire U.S. figure skating team en route to a world championship.
Efforts are underway to recover any remains from the icy waters of the Potomac River, where both aircraft fell. In light of the incident, flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were temporarily grounded. The news has elicited an outpouring of grief and solidarity within the figure skating community and beyond, highlighting the deep connections shared among its members.
