Vladimir Sjkljarov, a prominent Russian ballet dancer and star of the Mariinsky Theatre, died at the age of 39 following a fall from his fifth-floor balcony in Saint Petersburg. Preliminary investigations suggest it was an accident as he reportedly lost his balance while taking a break outside. Colleagues noted that he was scheduled for surgery due to ongoing back issues. Sjkljarov joined the Mariinsky ballet in 2003 and became a prima ballerina by 2011, performing internationally in prestigious productions.