Vladimir Shklyarov, a prominent ballet dancer, tragically fell to his death at the young age of 39. The incident occurred in his St. Petersburg apartment building, where he reportedly fell 60 feet from the fifth floor. While initial reports suggested that he may have been attempting to jump between balconies, there were also unconfirmed claims that his ex-wife, fellow ballerina Maria Shirinkina, had locked him in the apartment to prevent him from buying drugs, leading to his fatal fall.
Speculations about Shklyarov’s death included allegations of drug and alcohol addiction, but his ex-wife dismissed these claims, describing his passing as a “great tragedy” and emphasizing his love for life, family, and his audience. The Mariinsky Theatre, where Shklyarov performed, has not disclosed the cause of his death, although the Russian Investigative Committee stated that the preliminary cause was an accident.
Prior to his death, Shklyarov had been vocal about his opposition to Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. In a social media post, he expressed his support for peace and criticized the violence against civilians, citing his personal connections to Ukraine through his family history. He also mentioned his upcoming foot surgery and the pain he was enduring, indicating that he had no choice but to undergo the procedure.
While there have been instances of Putin critics facing untimely deaths, it remains unclear if Shklyarov’s public stance against the war played a role in his tragic accident. His outspoken views and untimely passing have sparked speculation and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his death. As the investigation continues, details about the beloved dancer’s life and legacy continue to emerge, shedding light on the complexities of his personal struggles and his unwavering commitment to his art.
