A tragic incident in Kyrgyzstan has claimed the life of a young MMA fighter who died while saving others.
Medet Zheenaliev, a 30-year-old welterweight with a professional record of 2-2, lost his life on May 12 at Lake Issyk-Kul in the tourist village of Baktuu-Dolonotu. The Kyrgyz-born fighter, who competed out of Russia, was reportedly spending time with friends when he noticed a group of teenage girls struggling in the water.
According to local authorities, four girls had entered the lake when strong waves began pulling one of them under. Seeing the situation unfold, Zheenaliev and a friend rushed in to help. Together, they managed to bring all the girls safely back to shore.
However, during the rescue, Zheenaliev disappeared beneath the water.
Emergency services were called to the scene, and divers from the Ministry of Emergency Situations conducted a search operation. His body was recovered the following day, May 13. Officials later confirmed that the cause of death was drowning during the rescue attempt.