Tears Flow At Figure Skating Event Benefiting The 67 DC Crash Victims
on Mar 03, 2025
The Skating Comunity Gathered Together For A Night Of Remembrance
“There was not a dry eye to be found anywhere,” pairs skater Madison Chock said.
Thousands gathered to honor the lives lost in the Washington, DC, plane crash that occurred on January 29. It has been about a month since 67 people lost their lives when an American Airlines jet collided with an Army helicopter over the Potomac River.
In tribute to those who perished, a large crowd came together at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, to watch figure skaters deliver moving performances. Among the 67 victims, 28 were affiliated with the figure skating community, including skaters, parents, and coaches.
During the event, family and friends of the deceased took to the ice to perform in memory of their loved ones.
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Maxim Naumov Performed For His Parents
Maxim Naumov honored his parents with a moving performance. The young gymnast-turned-skater stepped onto the ice holding two white roses, which he placed down before his performance.
He then made his way to the center of the rink and began his skate, holding two invisible hands beside him to represent his parents, whose lives were lost in a tragic crash.
Naumov’s parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova were world champions of the Russian figure skating team.
After an intricate routine, he fell to his knees on the ice and wept for his lost parents. The crowd in Washington, D.C., gave him a standing ovation, and there was no dry eye in the audience.
Watch his performance below.
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Isabella Aparicio performed For Her Father And Brother
13-year-old Isabella Aparicio performed in honor of her brother, Franco, and their father, Luciano. Both her father and brother were in the crash over the Potomac.
Aparicio’s performance was accompanied by a recording of her father playing Pachelbel’s Canon in D.
The young skater glided on the ice, holding a single rose. As she began to skate, it was clear that she was fighting back her emotions. Once her performance was over, she fell to her knees and wept. The crowd responded with a standing ovation.
Once her performance was over, she fell to her knees and wept. The crowd gave her a standing ovation.
@shellmooncats it was such an honor to watch her perform. she skated a beautiful program 🤍 #figureskating #flight5342 #francoaparicio #usfigureskating #flight5342neverforgotten⛸️ #legacyonice ♬ original sound – zoe 🇵🇸
The night was filled with tears and cherished memories as the skating community came together to mourn.
The event, affectionately called “Legacy on Ice,” was a fundraiser for those impacted by the tragic DC crash.
According to their website,
“All proceeds will be collected by the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation and equally distributed to the U.S. Figure Skating Family Support Fund, Greater Washington Community Foundation’s ‘DCA Together Relief Fund’ and DC Fire & EMS Foundation,” the website reads.
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