Figure Skater Maxim Naumov Reflects on Parents' Deaths 1 Year Later

Maxim Naumov honors his late parents Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, who died in a 2025 mid-air collision over the Potomac River.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:07pm

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Figure skater Maxim Naumov, 24, is reflecting on the one-year anniversary of his parents' deaths in a mid-air collision over the Potomac River in 2025. Naumov's parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, were killed when the American Eagle flight they were on collided with a U.S. Army helicopter. Naumov has continued to pursue his figure skating career, qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and says his parents are his "superheroes" who are now "flying over me and protecting me."

Why it matters

The tragic loss of Naumov's parents, who were both accomplished figure skaters themselves, has deeply impacted the young athlete. However, Naumov has persevered and is honoring his parents' legacy by continuing to compete at the highest levels of figure skating, including qualifying for the 2026 Olympics.

The details

Naumov's parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, were passengers on American Eagle Flight 5342 when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. in 2025. The crash killed all 67 people on board, including 14 young figure skaters, their parents and coaches who were returning from the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The U.S. government has admitted that air traffic controllers and Army helicopter pilots played a role in the collision, the deadliest on American soil in more than two decades.

  • On January 29, 2026, Maxim Naumov reflected on the one-year anniversary of his parents' deaths.
  • Naumov's parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, were killed in the mid-air collision over the Potomac River in 2025.

The players

Maxim Naumov

A 24-year-old figure skater who was named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic team following the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, just one year after losing both of his parents in a tragic mid-air collision.

Vadim Naumov

Maxim Naumov's father, who was a 1994 world figure skating champion in pairs for Russia.

Evgenia Shishkova

Maxim Naumov's mother, who was a 1994 world figure skating champion in pairs for Russia.

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What they’re saying

“It's hard to believe that it's already been one full year. The most difficult year of my entire life. I still find myself waking up some days and just wondering why? How could this all have happened? For what reason? Why were they taken away from me so soon?”

— Maxim Naumov (Instagram)

“Unfortunately, there are always more questions than answers. But, despite all of that I get ready, put on my coat and head out the door. Every. Single. Day. Because I have a job to do. I am quickly reminded of the goal we set out to achieve when I was 5 years old. Together. As a family.”

— Maxim Naumov (Instagram)

“Мама и Папа, I love and miss you with all of my heart. Both of you have always been my superheroes. And now, you really are flying over me and protecting me. I pray that you are at peace. May god bless your hearts.”

— Maxim Naumov (Instagram)

The takeaway

Maxim Naumov's perseverance and dedication to his figure skating career, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, is a testament to the lasting impact of his parents' love and support. Their memory continues to inspire him as he pursues his Olympic dreams.