Figure skater Maxim Naumov, who lost both parents in DC plane crash, posts heartbreaking statement
Maxim Naumov, the figure skater who lost both of his parents in the DC plane crash earlier this year, has broken his silence in what happened with a heartbreaking statement on social media.
The 23-year-old’s parents, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were among the fatalities when an American Airlines plane crashed with an army helicopter back in January.
Maxim participated in the Legacy on Ice event on March 2, honoring all 67 who died, and after the event took to Instagram to reflect on how his life has changed since that day.
Sharing pictures from his emotional Legacy on Ice performance, Maxim said: ‘I am truly at a loss for words to express the depth of my gratitude and love for each and every one of you.
‘Every embrace, message, call, and prayer has touched me in ways I can’t fully describe, and I am beyond grateful for your kindness and support.
‘Your love has filled my heart so profoundly that it brings tears to my eyes. The generosity and compassion you have shown have given me the strength to keep moving forward, one day at a time.
Maxim Naumov has thanked people for the support he has received since his parents died
Russian figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov died in the DC tragedy
‘This means more to me than I could ever put into words. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing by me during the most difficult time of my life.’
Naumov performed a solo to ‘Ave Maria’ on the night in tribute to his parents, who were both former World Champions in figure skating.
At the end of his performance, Maxim dropped to his knees and began to sob, covering his face as he received a standing ovation from the crowd in immensely moving scenes.
The January 29 crash in DC saw a plane that had flown from Witchita, Kansas City, collide with a Black Hawk helicopter.
The plane and the helicopter crashed into the Potomac River.
An investigation into the tragedy is still ongoing but the National Transportation Safety Board has said that the helicopter appeared to have been flying higher than it was allowed to be.
Overall, 28 American figure skaters died in the incident – they were returning from an event in Witchita when disaster struck.
According to a report in Moscow, Evgenia and Vadim told Maxim that were ‘proud’ of him after he took fourth place in the competition a couple of days prior to the crash.
Naumov said the outpouring of support ‘has touched me in ways I can’t fully describe’
‘We are proud of you, Maxim,’ the couple said in a social media post shared by Sankt-Peterburgskie Vedomosti, Russia’s oldest newspaper.
‘He climbed to the podium at the Nationals after seventh place in the short program. This beautiful and emotional performance is the result of teamwork. Maxim has earned his place in the team of champions of four continents.’
Evgenia and Vadim were born in Leningrad and competed in pairs skating for the national teams of the USSR and Russia, winning the World Championship in 1994.
They moved to the US in 1998 and worked as coaches.
