Collision Near Reagan Airport Claims Lives of Russian Figure Skating Pair
A tragic collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter near Reagan Airport claimed the lives of Russian figure skating champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.
Rebekah Koffler, a former U.S. defense intel officer, provides insights on the tragic incident involving a passenger jet and a military helicopter close to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, a renowned Russian figure skating duo, were aboard the American Airlines flight that collided with a U.S. Army helicopter on Wednesday night.
The Kremlin confirmed on Thursday that the figure skating champions were among those involved. Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for the Kremlin, expressed sorrow over the incident, stating, "Unfortunately, we see that this sad information is being confirmed. There were other fellow citizens there. Bad news today from Washington. We are sorry and send condolences to the families and friends who lost those of our fellow citizens who died in the plane crash."
Naumov's coach initially sought to pair him with Shishkova in 1985, despite Naumov's initial resistance. Eventually, they teamed up in 1987 and achieved a bronze medal at the 1991 European Championships while representing the former Soviet Union, later adding two more bronze and silver medals in subsequent competitions.
The duo also made their mark internationally, earning a bronze medal at the 1993 World Championships and a gold in Chiba, Japan, the following year. They claimed a silver medal in 1995 during the championships held in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Shishkova and Naumov participated in the 1992 Olympics in Albertville, France, finishing fifth, and the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, where they placed fourth.
The couple wed in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in 1995 before relocating to Connecticut, where they welcomed a son, Maxim, who performed in men's singles at the U.S. national level.
On the Skating Club of Boston's website, the Russian pair were recognized as professional pairs coaches.
