A mystery surrounds the death of Russian journalist Grigory Nekhoroshev, who in 2008 revealed alleged ties between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former rhythmic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva. Nekhoroshev, 69, was found dead inside his home.
His name first gained prominence when, as editor-in-chief of the newspaper Moskovsky Korrespondent, he published a report claiming Putin planned to divorce his wife, Lyudmila, to marry Kabaeva — a revelation that sparked intense domestic and international interest. The story touched on a fiercely guarded aspect of Putin’s private life, rarely scrutinized by the media.
According to Latvia-based outlet Delfi, Nekhoroshev died after consuming wild mushrooms he had personally foraged from his garden. Though experienced in mushroom gathering, the species he collected turned out to be toxic — leading to his fatal poisoning. His body will undergo an autopsy to confirm the exact cause of death.
Shortly after the report’s publication, Moskovsky Korrespondent ceased operations. Its owner, Alexander Lebedev, attributed the shutdown to significant pressure placed on the publication. Nekhoroshev himself said he faced interrogations by Russian security services — an experience that ultimately led him to leave Russia.
While Putin categorically denied any relationship with Kabaeva, the story continued to circulate in global media for years. Bożena Rynska, a Russian journalist also living in Latvia, described Nekhoroshev’s death as “inexplicable.” Igor Vatolins, a friend who saw him shortly before his death, recalled him as “neither elderly nor ill — full of ideas and plans.”