Vladimir Shklyarov, an acclaimed Russian ballet dancer, has died. He was 39. Shklyarov died on Saturday, Nov. 16, after falling from the fifth floor of a building, Anna Kasatkina, a representative for the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia, told local news outlet Fontanka.

Shklyarov, a principal with the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre, is being remembered as an "extraordinary artist".

Vladimir Shklyarov, a famed Russian ballet dancer, died in what officials believe was a freak accident. He was 39. The Mariinsky Theatre, a popular opera house in St. Petersburg, Russia, confirmed the dancer’s death in a Saturday,

Russian Ballet star Vladimir Shklyarov has died at the age of 39. While his extraordinary talent and grace will continue to live in our memories forever, fans are now looking to learn the real cause of his demise.

Russian ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov died on Saturday, November 16. He was 39. “Tonight, the public's favorite, star premier of the Mariinsky Theatre Vladimir Shklyarov tragically died,” a statement on the Mariinsky Theatre’s website reads,

Shklyarov had been on painkillers waiting for a complex spinal surgery when the incident occurred, according to a representative from his dance company