Image Credit: UsWeekly
Figure skater Maxim Naumov has opened up for the first time about the devastating loss of his parents, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who were among the 67 victims of the fatal plane crash in Washington, D.C., on January 29. Speaking on NBC’s Today show, Naumov revealed that his parents had switched their flight before boarding the doomed aircraft, a decision that would ultimately seal their fate.
Recalling their last conversation, the 23-year-old shared that his mother had informed him of the flight change and asked if he could pick them up. He noted that she always reached out as soon as they landed, a call he never received that night.
Shishkova, 52, and Naumov, 55, were on a flight from Wichita, Kansas, which collided with a helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River. Many passengers, including the couple, were part of the U.S. figure skating community and had attended the U.S. Figure Skating National Development Camp before traveling to D.C. Naumov himself had left Wichita just days before after competing in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on January 26. His parents had celebrated his performance in their final joint Instagram post, expressing their pride in him.
Reflecting on their last words, Naumov described how his mother had called to tell him they loved him and were proud of him, a sentiment that now holds immense significance. He admitted that the grieving process has been overwhelming, but he sees it as a journey he must navigate. Instead of relying solely on his own strength and determination, he now feels as though he is carrying the dedication of three people—himself and his parents.
Despite the tragedy, Naumov has found a renewed sense of freedom on the ice. He explained that skating no longer feels like a rigid routine filled with tasks to complete; instead, it has become an emotional release. This shift was evident in his tribute performance at the Legacy on Ice U.S. Figure Skating Benefit in Washington, D.C., on March 2. Beginning his solo routine by placing two white roses on a table beside the rink, he skated with raw emotion, eventually breaking into tears as the performance concluded. He described it as a moment of pure love, where he was no longer focused on technical elements but allowed his body to move freely in expression.
As an alternate for the U.S. National Figure Skating Team, Naumov remains uncertain about his competitive future, including a potential bid for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. He stated that he is listening to his body and emotions, allowing them to guide his next steps.
Shishkova and Naumov, known for their celebrated careers as skating partners, transitioned into coaching at the International Skating Center in Simsbury, Connecticut, before joining The Skating Club of Boston in 2017. Several of their students were also among the victims of the crash.
Following the tragedy, U.S. Figure Skating expressed its condolences and announced the creation of the U.S. Figure Skating Family Support Fund to assist affected families. In a statement, the organization described the loss as devastating and affirmed its commitment to standing by the victims’ loved ones.
Naumov, reflecting on his parents’ lasting influence, acknowledged that he would not be the person he is today without them. Describing them as his superheroes, he credited their love and guidance for shaping every stage of his life.
Credit: The interview was conducted by Craig Melvin on NBC’s Today show.
