Russian Ballet Star Dies at 39

Vladimir Shklyarov, a famous Russian ballet dancerdied. He was 39 years old.

Anna Kasatkina, representative of the Mariinsky Theater in Saint Petersburg, Russia, said in a statement to the local news source that Shklyarov died after falling from the fifth floor of a building on Saturday, November 16. Fontanka.

Kasatkina said the incident occurred while Shklyarov was taking painkillers before his spinal surgery, which was scheduled for Monday, November 18.

Kasatkina did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

According to the Russian news agency, while a federal investigation was launched to investigate Shklyarov’s death, it was decided that the “primary cause” was an accident. RIA Novosti.

Shklyarov joined the Mariinsky Theater in 2003 after graduating from the Russian Ballet Academy.

She danced in the theater company for more than 20 years and in 2011 became the group’s principal dancer, the highest ranked performer.

In a statement, Mariinsky Theater “This is a great loss not only for theater workers, but for the entire art of ballet today.”

“We express our condolences to the artist’s family, loved ones, friends and countless fans of his works and talent,” the statement said.

The theater concluded by saying, “His unlimited creative talents have been recognized with numerous awards.” “He wrote his name forever in the history of world ballet art.”

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During his career, Shklyarov starred in the following productions: Sleeping beauty, Swan Lake, Don Quixote And Romeo and Juliet.

He has also performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

He was married to ballerina Maria Shirinkina, with whom he shares two children.

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Many people paid tribute to Shklyarov on social media after his death.

Fellow dancer Irina Baranovskaya called Shklyarov’s death a “stupid, unbearable accident.” TelegramA popular social media site in Russia.

He said he “went out to the balcony to get some air and smoke” and “lost his balance.”

American Ballet Theatre, where the late ballet dancer performed as a guest artist in 2014 and 2015, shared the following message: instagram“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those touched by his brilliance,” he wrote.

“Rest in peace, Vladimir. Your light will continue to shine through the beauty you brought to this world.”

Meanwhile, Mariinsky Theater dancer Diana Vishneva also shared a sincere note on the subject. X (formerly Twitter) “This tragedy brings only tears and sadness,” it began.

“Volodya, it is impossible to understand how early and unfairly you passed away. This is a tragedy for our theater, our common pain, our feeling of emptiness,” Vishneva continued.