Maxim Naumov Reflects on Parents' Final Words Before Tragic American Airlines Crash.
Figure skater Maxim Naumov has opened up about the devastating loss of his parents, former world champion figure skaters Evgenia “Zhenya” Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who died in a tragic mid-air collision on January 29. The accident involved American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C.
Speaking with Craig Melvin on The Today Show, the 23-year-old skater shared heartbreaking details about their last conversation. He revealed that his parents had switched flights before the crash and reached out to let him know.
“My mom always calls or texts me when they land,” Maxim recalled. “This time, she told me they had changed their flight and asked if I could pick them up.”
Their final words to him were filled with love and encouragement. “My mom called me and said, ‘Hey, I just want you to know that we love you and we’re proud of you.’ That means everything to me,” he shared.
Maxim described his parents as “kind and beautiful people” and is now striving to honor their legacy. Their passing has profoundly impacted his approach to skating.
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“In training, I used to follow a structured routine—checking off everything from A to Z. But now, it feels different. I don’t think about lists anymore. I just skate freely,” he explained.
Earlier this month, Maxim performed at the Legacy on Ice event, dedicating his routine to his parents. Skating to their favorite Russian love song, he allowed himself to fully embrace his emotions on the ice.
“I wasn’t thinking about the jumps, the spins—nothing technical. I just let my body move. I’ve never felt anything like that before,” he said, reflecting on the powerful moment.
Despite the tragedy, Maxim remains determined to push forward. His guiding philosophy? “The only way out is through.”
“I’m no longer just skating for myself. I carry the passion, dedication, and strength of three people now,” he stated.
As for his future in figure skating, Maxim has not made any final decisions about competing in upcoming events or the Winter Olympics. “I’m taking it one step at a time, listening to how I feel on the ice. Right now, it feels good.”
The January 29 crash resulted in the deaths of 67 people, including 28 members of the figure skating community. The American Airlines flight carried 64 passengers, while the helicopter had three soldiers aboard.
Through his grief, Maxim remains deeply grateful for his parents’ influence on his life. “I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. Their love was always there, in every stage of my life,” he said. “To me, they were superheroes.”
