Maxim Naumov 'Truly at a Loss for Words' Over Support He's Received Following D.C. Crash That Killed His Parents

Mar. 15, 2025

Ice skater Maxim Naumov performs during the Legacy on Ice event on March 02, 2025.Photo:Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty (2)

Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty (2)

Maxim Naumovpenned a powerful message about the support he’s received since his parents, 1994 World Figure Skating pairs championsEvgenia “Zhenya” Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were killed in theAmerican Airlines tragedy.

“I am truly at a loss for words to express the depth of my gratitude and love for each and every one of you,” Maxim, 23, wrote in a post onInstagramon Tuesday, March 4, two days after hebroke down in tears as he honored his parentswhile performing at theLegacy on Iceevent.

Sharing a photo from the emotional performance in his post, Maxim continued, “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.”

Ice skater Maxim Naumov on March 2, 2025.Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty

Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.On Sunday, March 2, Maxim and other skaters paid tribute to the28 members of the figure skating communitywho were onboard American Airlines flight 5342, which collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 29.

The event at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. raised funds through the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation’s Legacy on Ice program for the families of the victims and the first responders who were on the ground.

In a clip sharedon Xfrom the event, Maxim is seen skating onto the ice holding two white roses before placing them on a table filled with more white roses and candles at the side of the rink.

Multiple skaters, along with Maxim’s parents, were heading back to D.C. after attending the U.S. Figure Skating National Development Camp in Wichita, Kan. Maxim had also been in Wichita andfinished fourth in the senior men’s competitionat the U.S. National Championships on Jan. 26, just days before his parents' death.

The bodies of all67 victims have since been recoveredfollowing the crash over the Potomac River, authorities have confirmed.

source: people.com