The tragic midair collision in Washington, D.C., involving a commercial airliner and a U.S. military helicopter, has sent shockwaves across the nation. The devastating accident, which occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, has left no expected survivors, plunging the country into mourning.

The U.S. Figure Skating Association has confirmed that several skaters, officials, and their families were among those on board the ill-fated flight. Russian news agency Tass has further reported that former world champion figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were also on the passenger plane.

Authorities have shifted their focus to recovery efforts. According to ABC News, 28 bodies have been retrieved so far—27 from the passenger aircraft and one from the Black Hawk helicopter.

Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly described the crash scene as “highly complex,” noting that the rescue and recovery teams have been battling strong winds, freezing temperatures, and low visibility in the dark waters of the Potomac River.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that at approximately 9:00 PM local time, the commercial aircraft was on its final approach to Reagan National Airport when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. Initial reports indicate that the passenger plane carried 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military helicopter had three soldiers onboard who were engaged in a training exercise.

Disturbing CCTV footage from a nearby building has surfaced online, capturing the harrowing moment of impact. The video shows a massive fireball erupting in the sky before both aircraft plummeted into the river below.

As more details emerge, the heartbreaking reality of who was on the flight becomes clearer. U.S. Figure Skating has verified that many skaters, along with their coaches and family members, were returning home after attending a development camp that followed the U.S. Figure Skating National Championships, which had just concluded on Sunday in Wichita, Kansas.

“We are devastated to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends, and coaches, were among those on board,” the organization said in an emotional statement. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.”

Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, revealed that two young figure skaters, their parents, and two esteemed Russian figure skating coaches were among those who lost their lives. According to the Associated Press, the victims included skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, as well as renowned coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.

“This is a tremendous loss for the figure skating world,” Zeghibe stated in a press conference, his voice heavy with emotion. “The impact of this tragedy will be deeply felt across our community.”

News of Shishkova and Naumov’s passing has been confirmed by Russian media, with the Kremlin acknowledging that the legendary duo was onboard the doomed flight. Shishkova and Naumov, who were once at the pinnacle of competitive figure skating, won the 1994 World Championship in Chiba, Japan, in pairs skating. Following their competitive careers, they moved to the United States, where they became highly respected coaches. They initially trained athletes at the International Skating Center in Connecticut before joining the Skating Club of Boston in 2017.

Concerns have also arisen regarding their son, Maxim Naumov, a competitive skater who had just participated in the U.S. Championships in Wichita. Maxim, a former U.S. junior champion, has placed fourth at senior nationals for the past three years, narrowly missing the podium last Sunday as his parents proudly watched from the stands at INTRUST Bank Arena. There is widespread speculation that he, too, may have been on the flight, though this remains unconfirmed.

The figure skating community has been deeply shaken by the loss of these beloved athletes and mentors. Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov had been living in the United States since at least 1998. The couple, who married on August 7, 1995, shared not only a deep personal bond but also a passion for the sport, performing together as a pair until their retirement from competitive skating in 1998.

Originally from Soviet Leningrad, Naumov, three years older than Shishkova, started skating at the age of 10. Shishkova began at 8, initially competing in singles before transitioning to pairs, where she eventually partnered with Naumov. Their exceptional skill and chemistry on the ice made them a force to be reckoned with during their competitive years.

Fans and fellow skaters alike have taken to social media to express their sorrow. “I remember watching them skate—they were incredible,” one fan wrote. Another simply stated, “May they all rest in peace.”

Ludmila Velikova, the coach who trained Shishkova and Naumov from childhood, shared her profound grief over their tragic loss. “They were my favorite athletes,” she said in an interview with the Daily Mail. “They were my first world champions, and I will never forget what they achieved.”

Velikova recalled their early years in the sport and their dedication to excellence. “Beyond everything else, they felt like my own children. Zhenya (Shishkova) started training with me at 11, and Vladik (Naumov) joined at 14. This loss is unbearable. We have lost some of the best people.”

The international skating community continues to mourn this devastating loss, recognizing the profound impact Shishkova and Naumov had both on and off the ice. Tributes have poured in from around the world, honoring their contributions to the sport and the lives they touched through their mentorship.

As recovery efforts continue, officials are still piecing together the details of what led to this catastrophic collision. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation, working alongside the FAA and military officials to determine the cause of the crash.

For now, families and friends of the victims are left grappling with an unimaginable loss. In times of tragedy, the love and support from those around us can provide comfort, but the pain of losing so many beloved figures in the skating world will be felt for years to come.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking accident. Let us honor the memory of those lost and extend our deepest sympathies to their families, friends, and loved ones as they navigate this immense grief. Further updates on the investigation and recovery efforts will continue to unfold in the days ahead.