Russian Emergency Minister Tragically Dies on Duty While Saving Person's Life

"The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations regretfully informs that Yevgeny Zinichev died tragically in the line of duty when he was saving a person's life at interdepartmental drills on protecting the Arctic zone from emergencies", the ministry said in a statement.

According to reports, the minister was standing on the edge of a cliff, when a cameraman slipped and fell. Zinichev immediately dove from the cliff in an attempt to save the former from the water, but hit a rock, receiving serious injuries.

They were both hospitalised but died aboard an emergency services helicopter.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a message to Zinichev's family offering his condolences, the Kremlin stated.

"President Putin offers deep condolences over the tragic death of Yevgeny Zinichev. They are linked by many years of joint work. This is a great loss. The president sent a message with condolences to the family and friends of the minister", Peskov said.

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said the late emergencies minister had significantly contributed to the protection of Russian national interests, the prevention of emergencies and their elimination.

“A high-class professional, competent, and principled leader, Yevgeny Nikolaevich Zinichev enjoyed great authority. We will forever preserve the good memory of this strong, courageous, and selfless man, a Russian officer, defender of the Fatherland", the prime minister said in a statement.

Zinichev was born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in 1966. In 1987, he became a KGB officer and since 1991 had served in the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), holding different posts and accompanying President Vladimir Putin on his working trips. Zinichev became minister of emergency situations in 2018, after serving as the deputy director of the Russian Security Service.