Vitaly Robertus, the vice president of Lukoil, Russia’s second-largest oil producer, was found dead in his Moscow office on Tuesday in an apparent suicide, according to local reports.
Multiple Russian Telegram channels, including independent Russian journalism project ASTRA and Baza, which is linked to Russia’s security services, reported on Thursday that Robertus had been found “hanged” in his office.
“The top manager committed suicide and died of asphyxia. He worked for the company for about 30 years,” Baza said.
Dima Korotayev/Epsilon/Getty Images
Earlier on Wednesday, Lukoil said in a statement on its website that Robertus had died “suddenly” at the age of 54. The cause of his death wasn’t given.
“Before his death, he allegedly complained of headaches,” ASTRA reported.
Newsweek couldn’t independently verify the reports and has contacted Russia’s foreign ministry for comment by email.
This is a breaking news story and it will be updated.
If you or someone you know needs help, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.