Team USA figure skater Maxim Naumov parents Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov switched flight to American Airlines Flight 5342

A tragic incident unfolded on January 29 when an American Airlines plane carrying figure skater Maxim Naumov’s parents, coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, along with 62 other passengers and crew, collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River. The 23-year-old skater revealed that his parents had made a last-minute decision to change their flight, opting for the ill-fated American Airlines Flight 5342 instead of their original one.

Maxim Naumov shared that his mother usually called or texted him as soon as they landed, but this time, he never received that call. The heartbreaking loss of both his parents has left him with cherished memories, including the last words his mother said to him – “We love you and we’re proud of you.” These words hold significant meaning for Maxim, as he expressed that making his parents proud was a driving force in his life.

Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, both born in Russia, had a successful coaching career with the Skating Club of Boston after their impressive achievements in figure skating, including winning the pairs title at the 1994 World Figure Skating Championships. Maxim, an alternate for the US national team, had been in Wichita for the championship but had left a few days earlier.

In a touching tribute performance for his late parents at the Legacy on Ice benefit, Maxim poured his emotions into his skating, ending with a moment of raw vulnerability as he dropped to his knees in front of a large audience. He described the experience as skating from his heart, letting go of the technicalities and skating with genuine emotion.

Maxim fondly remembered his parents as beautiful and incredibly kind individuals, and he emphasized the importance of facing grief head-on. He acknowledged the difficulty of moving forward without the strength, passion, drive, dedication of his parents, but he expressed determination to continue on in their honor.

The tragic loss of Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov has deeply impacted Maxim Naumov, but he finds solace in honoring their memory through his skating and carrying on their legacy. As he navigates the grieving process, Maxim remains steadfast in his commitment to keep moving forward, guided by the love and pride his parents instilled in him.