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Russian journalist Grigory Nekhoroshev, who became famous in 2008 when he revealed Russian President Vladimir Putin's alleged affair with former rhythmic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva through the Moskovsky Korrespondent newspaper, has been found dead in Riga, Latvia, at the age of 69.
According to information cited by Latvian media outlet Delfi, Nekhoroshev died at home after eating wild mushrooms he had collected from his yard. Despite his experience in mushroom picking, the mushrooms turned out to be poisonous.
Latvian authorities are expected to conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Nekhoroshev had been living in Latvia as a political refugee for the past 11 years. According to friends and associates, he often expressed fears for his personal safety, believing he was being targeted by the Kremlin because of his revelations. He had described himself as a "personal enemy" of Vladimir Putin.
2008 report on the Putin-Kabaeva relationship
Nekhoroshev was the editor-in-chief of the Russian newspaper Moskovsky Korrespondent, which in 2008 revealed that Vladimir Putin was allegedly planning to divorce his then-wife, Lyudmila, in order to marry Olympic rhythmic gymnast Alina Kabaeva. The report caused a sensation both in Russia and internationally, as it dealt with an aspect of the Russian president's personal life that had until then remained out of the public eye.
Shortly afterwards, the newspaper suspended its operations, while its then-owner, businessman and former KGB officer Alexander Lebedev, stated that he had been put under severe pressure. Nekhoroshev had reported that he had been interrogated by Russian security services and eventually forced to flee the country.
At the time, Putin had denied reports of an affair with Kabaeva, criticizing those who "invade the personal lives of others."
Although the Russian president has not publicly acknowledged any relationship with the former Olympic champion, in recent years there have been a number of reports in international media suggesting a long-term relationship between the two.
The news of Nekhoroshev's death caused a stir among Russian journalists in the diaspora. Journalist Bozena Rynska described his loss as "unimaginable," while his friends described him as an active, creative man full of plans for the future.
Latvian authorities have so far not officially commented on the case, while an autopsy is expected to shed light on the exact causes of death.
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