Tragic Crash Involving US and Russian Figure Skaters Near Washington DC.

Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who won the 1994 World Pairs title, were reportedly on board a US passenger jet that crashed in Washington on January 29, 2025, according to Russian news agencies TASS and RIA. Photo was taken 1994.

A devastating mid-air collision on Wednesday evening has left the figure skating community in shock, as a plane carrying multiple figure skaters and their families collided with a US Army helicopter above Washington DC. The tragic incident occurred just after 9:00 PM local time, when the plane, which was carrying 64 passengers and crew, crashed into the Potomac River.

Among the victims were two 16-year-old figure skaters from Boston, Spencer Lane and Jinna Hahn, along with their mothers, Christine Lane and Jin Hahn.

The plane also carried two former world-champion Russian coaches, Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. According to reports from US officials, the collision resulted in a catastrophic crash, and they do not expect any survivors. At least 28 bodies have been recovered so far from the scene.

The Figure Skating Club of Boston, where the teenagers were affiliated, confirmed the identities of the victims and expressed their devastation. Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the club, stated, “Six is a horrific number for us.” The loss is deeply felt within the skating community, as the victims included athletes, coaches, and family members who were significant figures in the sport. The tragedy is expected to have long-lasting impacts on the figure skating world.

In addition to the Americans, Russia has confirmed that some of its citizens were aboard the ill-fated flight. Media outlets in Russia identified Shishkova and Naumov as the two Russian coaches on board. Reports suggest that as many as 15 individuals on the plane had ties to figure skating, though further names have not yet been released by the US governing body for the sport, US Figure Skating.

The collision between the plane and the helicopter has left the entire figure skating community mourning, with many still grappling with the scope of the tragedy.

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