16.05.2026 21:31
In Kyrgyzstan, former cage fighter Medet Zheenaliev drowned after saving 4 children who were struggling in a lake. During the incident near the village of Baktuu-Dolonotu, the 30-year-old athlete disappeared after bringing the children to shore, and his lifeless body was found the following day as a result of search and rescue efforts.
Former professional MMA fighter Medet Zheenaliev, who jumped into the water to rescue four children from drowning in Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul Lake, saved the children but was swept away by the current and lost his life. The body of the 30-year-old athlete was recovered from the lake by divers the following day.
The incident occurred at Issyk-Kul Lake near the village of Baktuu-Dolonotu, one of Kyrgyzstan's tourist regions.
HE JUMPED INTO THE LAKE WITHOUT HESITATION
According to the New York Post, former athlete Medet Zheenaliev (30), seeing four children struggling after being caught in a current and in danger of drowning due to strong waves while swimming in the lake, jumped into the water without hesitation to rescue them.
FOUR CHILDREN WERE SAVED BUT HE DISAPPEARED
With the help of nearby citizens, Zheenaliev reached the children and made a great effort to safely bring all four to shore. However, exhausted during the rescue struggle and unable to withstand the current, the young athlete disappeared from sight shortly after.
HIS BODY WAS FOUND THE NEXT DAY
Rescue and diving teams dispatched to the scene after reports from bystanders launched a large-scale search in the lake. After hours of searching, the body of the 30-year-old fighter was found the following day. Authorities confirmed in an initial examination that Zheenaliev drowned during the rescue operation.
SPORTS COMMUNITY IN MOURNING
The death of Medet Zheenaliev, who had a professional MMA career from 2017 to 2019 and was a well-known figure in his country, caused great sorrow in the sports world. Official institutions and the sports community issued messages of condolence following the incident.