Maxim Naumov Honors Parents After Fatal 2025 Plane Crash

American figure skater Maxim Naumov is reflecting on the deaths of his parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, after they were killed in the American Eagle Flight 5342 crash over the Potomac River in January 2025, before his 2026 Olympics debut and appearance on Special Forces: World's Toughest Test.

According to the source, Vadim and Evgenia were passengers on the flight that collided with a helicopter, killing all 64 people aboard the plane and three helicopter passengers. They were 55 and 52 when they died on January 29, 2025.

Naumov and Shishkova were former Russian pair skaters who won the 1994 World Championships. According to the International Skating Union obituary cited by the source, they began their partnership in 1985, married in 1995, moved to the United States in 1998, and later became coaches at the Skating Club of Boston.

Naumov has described his parents' "unimaginable work, effort, and love" as a major part of his skating journey.

In an interview with Today, Naumov explained that his parents changed flights before the crash after a delayed layover. "My mom always texts me and calls me as soon as they land," said Maxim Naumov.

He also recalled the final message he received from his mother before the accident.

"Hey, I just want you to know that we love you and we're proud of you," said Maxim Naumov, quoting his mother.

Naumov continued describing the emotional impact of that final conversation.

"It was actually my mom that called me," said Maxim Naumov.

"It means everything to me. My whole life, a part of it, was to make them proud," said Maxim Naumov.

Vadim and Evgenia were also parents to an only child, Maxim. Their final joint Instagram post celebrated his performance at the U.S. Championships.

"Once again, Maxim made us all proud, getting on to the podium after 7th place in the short," said Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova in the post.

The couple also praised the work behind their son's performance in the same post.

"This beautiful and emotional performance is a result of a team work. Huge thanks to Serhii and Irina Vaypan and of course to Adam Blake for his wonderful choreography of a classic! Maxim has earned his place in the team of 4 Continents," said Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova in the post.