Grigory Nekhoroshev, the exiled Russian journalist who exposed President Vladimir Putin's secret affair with Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva, has died at age 69 after reportedly eating poisonous mushrooms he foraged from his own yard in Riga, Latvia.
Journalist's Death Under Investigation
Nekhoroshev passed away on Friday at his property in the Latvian capital, where he had lived as a political refugee for the past 11 years, according to local news outlet Delfi. Despite being an experienced mushroom aficionado, the fungi he collected proved lethal. Latvian authorities have not yet commented on the tragedy, but an autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
Close friend Igors Vatoļins, who saw Nekhoroshev shortly before his passing, described the ex-editor as "a not-old, not-ill person, full of ideas and plans." Russian journalist Bozhena Rynska, also based in Latvia, branded his sudden death "incomprehensible."
The Scoop That Made Him Putin's Enemy
Nekhoroshev famously spearheaded the Russian newspaper Moskovsky Korrespondent. In 2008, the publication sent shockwaves through the Kremlin by reporting that Putin planned to divorce his then-wife Lyudmila to marry Olympic gold medallist Alina Kabaeva. Delfi reported: "Nekhoroshev was the first to reveal the name of the [Russian leader's] common-law wife, rhythmic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva. Putin clearly did not forgive him for that."
The bombshell scoop painted a massive target on Nekhoroshev's back, leaving him "quite nervous throughout those Riga years" over fears he could be targeted by Putin's hitmen. Following the publication, the paper's owner – former KGB spy turned billionaire banker Alexander Lebedev – was forced to shut down Moskovsky Korrespondent entirely. Nekhoroshev was subjected to intense interrogation by secret services, forcing him to flee his homeland for safety.
Putin's Ongoing Relationship with Kabaeva
At the time, a furious Putin lashed out at the claims surrounding his romance with Kabaeva, who is three decades his junior. While both initially denied the explosive reports, the relationship is now widely known to be ongoing. Putin has refused to publicly acknowledge his romance with Kabaeva, now 43, though the pair are understood to share two secret children together: Ivan, 11, and seven-year-old Vladimir.
Nekhoroshev's death has sparked tributes from colleagues who praised his fearless journalism. The 2008 expose completely derailed his life in Russia, forcing him into exile. An autopsy is expected to provide further details on the cause of death.
