NEW YORK—Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, who collapsed in his office last month, died from a heart attack, and no foul play was suspected, according to a senior city official briefed by the medical examiner’s office.
The official was not authorized to reveal the cause of death for Ambassador Vitaly Churkin and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday after the medical examiner’s office, citing diplomatic protocol, said it was instructed not to publicly release the cause of death.
An autopsy was performed on Churkin last month, but the death required further study. The additional tests had been completed, but Julie Bolcer, spokeswoman for the city’s medical examiner, said that the city’s law department told the office not to release any further information, “in order to comply with international law and protocol.”
The State Department asked the city in writing on Feb. 24 to not reveal the autopsy results, because Churkin’s diplomatic immunity survives his death.
“The United States insists on the dignified handling of the remains of our diplomatic personnel who pass away abroad (including in Russia) and works to prevent unnecessary disclosures regarding the circumstances of their deaths,” wrote James Donovan, minister counselor for host country affairs for the U.S. mission to the United Nations.
In a follow-up letter on March 1, the State Department noted that the Russian Federation raised concerns after the autopsy had been conducted, and “voluntary statements reported in the media about Ambassador Churkin’s medical history” prompted complaints from Russian diplomats.
