A Russian journalist who was among the first to report claims about President Vladimir Putin and former Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva has died in Latvia after reportedly consuming poisonous mushrooms near his home.
The journalist, Grigory Nekhoroshev, 69, died in Riga, where he had lived in exile for more than a decade after fleeing Russia. Friends said he was an experienced mushroom forager but may have accidentally consumed toxic varieties collected near his residence.
Nekhoroshev was the former editor-in-chief of the now-defunct Moskovsky Korrespondent, the newspaper that in 2008 published a controversial report alleging that Putin planned to divorce his then-wife, Lyudmila Putina, and marry Kabaeva. The report sparked political controversy in Russia and ultimately led to the closure of the publication.
At the time, Putin dismissed the story, describing it as the product of “erotic fantasies,” while both he and Kabaeva denied the claims. Despite the denials, speculation about their relationship has persisted over the years.
Friends and colleagues described Nekhoroshev’s death as sudden and unexpected, saying he had remained active and was making future plans prior to his passing. Some also noted that he had previously expressed concern about his safety while living in exile.
Authorities in Latvia are investigating the circumstances of his death, with early indications suggesting accidental poisoning from wild mushrooms as the likely cause. So far, there is no evidence of foul play.
Nekhoroshev had left Russia after facing pressure and alleged threats following the publication of the 2008 report and was later granted refuge in Latvia, where he continued to live until his death.