Exiled Russian journalist Grigory Nekhoroshev, who famously exposed Vladimir Putin's secret affair with Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva, has died at age 69 after reportedly eating poisonous mushrooms in Latvia. The former editor of the newspaper Moskovsky Korrespondent passed away in the Latvian capital of Riga, where he had lived as a political refugee for the past 11 years, according to local news outlet Delfi.
Deadly Foraging Mistake
Friends reported that Nekhoroshev died at his Riga property after consuming wild mushrooms he had foraged from his own yard. Despite being an experienced mushroom aficionado, the fungi proved lethal. Latvian authorities have not yet commented on the incident, which occurred on Friday, but an autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
High-profile Russian journalist Bozhena Rynska, also based in Latvia, called his sudden death 'incomprehensible.' Close friend Igors Vatoļins, who saw Nekhoroshev shortly before his passing, described him as 'a not-old, not-ill person, full of ideas and plans.'
The 2008 Exposé
Nekhoroshev's newspaper sent shockwaves through the Kremlin in 2008 by reporting that Putin planned to divorce his then-wife Lyudmila to marry Olympic gold medalist 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.
Life in Exile
Nekhoroshev was subjected to intense interrogation by secret services 'with threats,' forcing him to flee Russia for safety. At the time, a furious Putin lashed out at the claims, lambasting 'those who with their snotty noses and erotic fantasies prowl into others' lives.' While Putin and Kabaeva initially denied the reports, the relationship is now widely acknowledged as ongoing. The Russian leader has never publicly acknowledged his romance with Kabaeva, now 43, though the pair are understood to share two secret children: Ivan, 11, and seven-year-old Vladimir.
Tributes have poured in for the fearless media figure, who branded himself Putin's 'personal enemy' after the exposé. His death has raised questions given his fears of retaliation, though authorities have not indicated foul play.
