The family of a three-time Olympic wrestling champion and Russian politician disputes official claims that he died of cardiac arrest, insisting instead that he fell from a window at his home.
Buvaisar Saitiev, 49, was a legendary freestyle wrestler who won Olympic gold medals in 1996, 2004, and 2008 before transitioning to politics as a member of Vladimir Putin's ruling United Russia party, according to OC Media.
On March 2, reports of his sudden death emerged, with Russian sports officials attributing it to heart problems. However, his wife later contradicted this, stating that he had fallen from a second-story window at home in an apparent accident.
His death comes amid a series of unexplained fatal falls involving high-profile Russian figures. Additionally, a Telegram channel linked to Russian security services suggested he fell from a third-floor window, with a janitor discovering him in critical condition before he was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
His brother suggested he may have fallen while doing housework. Despite speculation, there is no evidence of foul play at this time.
Saitiev was buried in his hometown of Khasavyurt, Dagestan, next to his father, following Muslim funeral rites.
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