Body found inside the head of iconic WW2 monument
Volgograd, which was known as Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961, saw one of the Second World War's deadliest and most pivotal battles. 'The Motherland Calls', by architect Evgeny Vuchetich, was erected in 1967 to commemorate the defenders of the city and remains the tallest statue of a woman globally.
The local branch of Russia's Investigative Committee has told RIA Novosti on Thursday that a probe has been launched into the death of a man inside the statue, who they described as a tourist. A source cited by the news outlet later identified him as the principal of the Moscow State Academy of Physical Education, Nikolay Chesnokov.Local news website V1.ru reported that he had started to feel unwell during an excursion inside the statue and passed away before paramedics could reach him.
Later in the day, the academy announced on its website that Chesnokov had passed away at the age of 68.
Chesnokov was a former track and field athlete, a Doctor of Sciences in Pedagogy, a professor and a member of the expert council at the Russian Sports Ministry. He had been the principal of the Moscow State Academy of Physical Education since May 2023.
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