Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov among passengers in tragic flight crash

World figure skating champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were aboard the flight from Wichita, as stated by the Kremlin. The city recently hosted the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

A cohort of competitive figure skaters and their companions, including retired champions, athletic coaches and family members, were on the American Airlines flight that tragically crashed into the Potomac River, according to both the figure skating community and Russian officials.

In a statement shared with The Washington Post, U.S. Figure Skating, the sport's national governing body, confirmed that "several" members of its community were on the Washington-bound flight from Wichita. A spokesperson declined to provide a specific number.

The accident occurred three days after the conclusion of the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita on Sunday, an event celebrated as the most prestigious annual gathering on the American figure skating calendar, crowning national champions across junior and senior levels. This week-long event attracted skaters, their coaches, and families from all over the United States.

According to U.S. Figure Skating, some younger athletes returned home later than Sunday after attending an advanced training program.

"We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims' families closely in our hearts," the statement conveyed. "We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available."

Two notable former Russian figure skaters, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were confirmed by the Kremlin to be among the passengers on the downed American Airlines flight from Wichita.

During a news briefing, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not disclose the names of the two former champions but confirmed their presence when asked.

Peskov also indicated that additional Russian nationals were on the flight, stating, "There were other of our fellow citizens there as well," without naming specific individuals.

Shishkova and Naumov had won gold at the 1994 Figure Skating World Championship for Russia. The married couple has been residing in the United States since at least 1998, where they coach young ice skaters. The Skating Club of Boston listed both as members of its coaching staff.

Members of the U.S. figure skating community took to social media to express their concern for those on the flight.

Team USA pairs skater Luke Wang, who competed in Wichita the prior week, shared his sentiments on social media, stating he was "praying for all those on the flight." He described the incident as "absolutely heartbreaking."

Team USA ice dancer Ethan Peal expressed his shock and extended prayers to the families and skating community.

"Dear God I can't take this," Peal posted early Thursday morning. "Hug your loved ones."

Robyn Dixon contributed to this report.