Journalist Behind Putin Romance Story Dies in Latvia

Journalist Behind Putin Romance Story Dies in Latvia

A Russian journalist who once worked on a controversial report about President Vladimir Putin’s personal life has died in Latvia after reportedly consuming poisonous mushrooms near his home.

Grigory Nekhoroshev, 69, lived in exile in Riga for more than a decade after leaving Russia. Friends said he died after accidentally eating wild mushrooms he had gathered in his yard, a habit he had maintained for years.

Nekhoroshev was best known as the former editor-in-chief of Moskovsky Korrespondent, the now-closed Russian newspaper that published a 2008 story claiming Putin planned to separate from his wife, Lyudmila Putina, and marry Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva.

The report caused widespread political attention in Russia at the time and quickly became one of the most talked-about stories involving the president’s private life.

Putin denied the claims, accusing those behind such reports of interfering in personal affairs. The newspaper was later shut down following the controversy.

Although both Putin and Kabaeva repeatedly denied any romantic relationship, speculation about their alleged ties continued in international media for years.

Those who knew Nekhoroshev described him as a long-time journalist who remained active and engaged even while living abroad. Some said he had concerns about safety due to his past work and the sensitivity of the stories he helped publish.

Authorities in Latvia say there is currently no indication of foul play, and early findings suggest the cause of death was accidental poisoning from wild mushrooms. Investigations are still ongoing.

His death has drawn renewed attention to the risks faced by journalists who have worked on politically sensitive stories in Russia, particularly those who later went into exile.

Nekhoroshev had been living quietly in Latvia after fleeing Russia years earlier, where he was granted refuge and continued life away from public attention.