WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tragedy struck the global figure skating community late Wednesday evening when American Eagle Flight 5342 crashed into the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Among the passengers were former world champion figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, as well as several other members of the U.S. Figure Skating community.

The flight, operated by PSA Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, where skaters had attended a U.S. Figure Skating development camp following the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, which took place from January 20-26. Initial reports confirm that the aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-700, collided midair with a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter before plummeting into the icy waters of the Potomac at approximately 8:52 p.m. ET.

Emergency response teams, including D.C. Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard, rushed to the crash site in a desperate search for survivors. As of the latest updates, at least 19 fatalities have been confirmed, with multiple passengers feared trapped in the submerged wreckage. No survivors have been officially confirmed at this time.

A Devastating Loss for the Figure Skating World

According to Russia’s TASS and RIA news agencies, Shishkova and Naumov, who dominated pairs skating in the 1990s and won the 1994 World Championship, were among the 64 people aboard the ill-fated flight. The pair had relocated to the United States following their competitive careers and were deeply involved in coaching and mentoring young skaters.

Adding to the heartbreak, reports indicate that their son, Maxim Naumov, a U.S. national-level figure skater, was also believed to have been on board. Maxim, 22, had been competing in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita and was returning home at the time of the crash.

U.S. Figure Skating released a statement expressing their devastation:

“Our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of members of our figure skating family. Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were legends in the sport, and their contributions to the skating world will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with all families affected by this tragedy.”

List of Skaters on Board

Officials have confirmed that several promising young skaters and their coaches were among the passengers, including:

• Spencer Lane
• Jinna Han
• Eddie Zhou
• Everly Livingston
• Lydia Livingston
• Franco Aparicio
• Sean Kay
• Angela Yang
• Vadim Naumov
• Genia Shishkova
• Inna Volyanskaya

Family members of those aboard have been gathering at Washington-area hospitals, awaiting news of their loved ones. Hamaad Raza, whose wife was a passenger on the flight, shared his anguish:

“I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the Potomac right now. We just want to know anything. The waiting is unbearable.”

Eyewitness Accounts and Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Witnesses near the crash site reported hearing a loud explosion just before seeing the plane dive toward the river. A security camera from the Kennedy Center captured the moment of impact, showing a fireball erupting upon collision with the water.

Emergency scanner reports indicated that some bodies were found still strapped into their seats, submerged in the wreckage. Rescuers are battling against strong currents and freezing temperatures, with water temperatures dipping to 37°F, making survival extremely difficult for those trapped.

“Divers are working tirelessly, but visibility is low, and debris is scattered across a large area of the riverbed,” said D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly.

With darkness hampering efforts, recovery operations are expected to continue throughout the night. Authorities have deployed sonar technology and infrared drones to locate potential survivors and assess the aircraft’s remains.

Cause of Crash Under Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an immediate investigation into what led to this catastrophic collision. Early reports suggest that the military helicopter involved was on a training mission when it intersected with the jet’s flight path.

“We are in the early stages of the investigation and working to piece together the sequence of events,” said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy.

FAA officials confirmed that Reagan National Airport had issued landing clearance to Flight 5342, but further details remain unclear regarding air traffic control communication at the time of the crash.

Reaction from the Skating Community and Global Leaders

News of the crash has sent shockwaves through the figure skating world. Former Olympic champion Scott Hamilton expressed his sorrow on social media:

“I am devastated to hear about this tragedy. Shishkova and Naumov were not just champions but incredible people who shaped the sport. My heart goes out to their family and all those impacted.”

In Russia, the Russian Figure Skating Federation released a statement mourning the loss of their former champions, while President Vladimir Putin offered condolences to the victims’ families.

American Airlines Statement and Flight Groundings

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom addressed the public late Wednesday night:

“This is a tragic day for everyone at American Airlines. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected. We are fully cooperating with authorities and will do everything in our power to support the investigation and those impacted by this unimaginable event.”

In response, the FAA issued a temporary nationwide grounding of all PSA Airlines-operated regional flights, pending further safety evaluations.

Families Await Answers as Investigations Continue

With more than 40 people still unaccounted for, families are left clinging to hope. Authorities are urging anyone with information about passengers to contact the Washington D.C. Emergency Response Center.

As the investigation continues, updates will be provided. For now, the world mourns the loss of legends, rising stars, and beloved family members in one of the most devastating air disasters in recent history.