Yevgeny Prigozhin, the controversial head of Russia's Wagner mercenary force, is feared dead following the fiery crash of a private jet near Moscow on Sunday night. Prigozhin was reportedly listed as a passenger on the doomed flight.
The Embraer business jet rapidly lost altitude en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg before plunging into a field in the Tver region. Explosions were heard preceding the crash, suggesting a possible mid-air breakup. Images from the scene show the wreckage engulfed in flames. All 10 occupants, including three crew, are believed to have perished.
Authorities continue investigating the cause of the accident. Unconfirmed reports claim local air defenses shot down the aircraft.
If confirmed deceased, Prigozhin's death concludes a turbulent saga for the Kremlin-linked businessman. Nicknamed "Putin's chef," he leads the shadowy Wagner Group military contractors. Prigozhin made headlines in June after attempting to overthrow Putin's leadership in a failed coup.
Since then, the embattled tycoon took extreme precautions for his safety. Associates say Prigozhin recently traveled using a different jet, casting doubt on whether he was truly onboard the doomed flight. But his firm did own the destroyed Embraer, according to Russian media.
Love him or loathe him, the demise of the controversial Wagner chief marks the end of an era. Prigozhin left an indelible mark through his African mercenary campaigns and backdoor influence in Moscow. For now, his fate serves as a stark reminder that no one is immune from fortune's whims.
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