Tragic Collision Claims Lives of Former Russian Figure Skating Champions
In a heartbreaking incident that has stunned the sports community, former Russian World Champion figure skaters Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova are reported to be among those killed after a passenger jet collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River near the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. This tragic event took place shortly before 9 PM local time on January 30, leading to a substantial search and rescue operation by U.S. authorities.
According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the passenger jet, a Bombardier regional aircraft operated by a partner airline of American Airlines, was carrying 64 people at the time of the crash. A U.S. Army official confirmed that the collision involved an Army Black Hawk helicopter, which had three soldiers on board.
Russian state news agency TASS and sports outlet Sportsru have reported that Naumov and Shishkova, who captured the pairs gold medal at the 1994 World Championships, were among the passengers on the doomed flight. The couple, who also clinched the 1995-96 Champions Series final, moved to the United States post-retirement from professional skating and went on to become coaches.
Their son, Maxim, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen and international competitor, won the U.S. national junior championship in 2020.
In the aftermath of the collision, CBS News has indicated that at least 18 bodies had been recovered from the scene, with additional reports stating that multiple bodies were pulled from the waters. Rescuers faced extreme difficulties due to darkness and near-freezing temperatures.
Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, reported on social media that every available U.S. Coast Guard resource was deployed for the ongoing search and rescue operation. The Washington police also announced that multiple agencies were involved in the rescue response, and all flight operations at Ronald Reagan National Airport were halted as crews combed the waters for survivors.
The FAA disclosed that the Bombardier CRJ701 which departed from Wichita, Kansas, collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter as it approached the landing area. The jet, capable of carrying around 60 passengers, had a reported 60 passengers and four crew members on board. It’s noteworthy that there have been no fatal U.S. passenger plane accidents since February 2009, although several near-miss incidents in recent years have raised concerns about aviation safety.
In response to the tragedy, President Donald Trump was briefed about the crash by his spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt. The President expressed his gratitude to first responders for their dedicated efforts amidst the calamity, reassuring the public of his commitment to monitoring the situation closely.
As the nation mourns the loss of Naumov and Shishkova, the impact of their contributions to figure skating will not be forgotten. Their legacy as champions continues to inspire skaters around the world, even in this deeply sorrowful time.
Related Sources: