Russian ballet fans were horrified last week when 39-year-old Vladimir Shklyarov plunged to his death from the balcony of a building in St. Petersburg.

While People magazine reported that the star's passing has been attributed to a freak accident, not everyone is so sure. 

Reporter points out that Shklyarov had voiced criticism of the war in Ukraine

According to People, a representative for the Mariinsky Theatre has announced that Shklyarov's fall came as he was  under the influence of painkillers due to a spinal injury.

The Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported that the fatal incident has been judged by authorities to have been an accident, although a federal investigation is ongoing.

However, some observers were quick to suggest that the performer's death may have been a politically motivated murder rather than an accident.

russian ballet dancer vladimir shklyarov died after falling from a fifth-floor window in st. petersburg

he had previously spoken out against the war in ukraine saying “politicians should be able to negotiate without shooting and killing civilians” pic.twitter.com/Gs6vLBi3jg

— ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) November 18, 2024

They include Ian Bremmer, who is a contributor for GZERO Media and the Eurasia Group. Bremmer recalled in a post on X how Shklyarov expressed opposition to Russia's war with Ukraine.

Mariinsky Theatre remembers dancer for his "boundless creative abilities"

Meanwhile, People noted that Shklyarov's death brought a statement from the Mariinsky Theatre, which read, "This is a huge loss not only for the theater's staff, but for all of today's ballet art."

"Our condolences to the artist's family, loved ones, friends and all the numerous admirers of his work and talent," the theater's statement continued.

The institution went on to praise Shklyarov's "boundless creative abilities," pointing out how they "were recognized with numerous awards."

As it drew to a close, the Mariinsky Theatre declared that Shklyarov's memory will be "forever inscribed" as part of "the history of world ballet art."

The American Ballet Theater praises Shklyarov for having brought "beauty"

Shklyarov performed as a guest at the American Ballet Theater in 2014 and 2015, and it also put up a tribute to him on social media.

"Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his brilliance," the American Ballet Theater wrote on its Instagram page.

"Rest in peace, Vladimir. Your light will continue to shine through the beauty you brought to this world," it went on to add.