A Veteran of the CIS Reflects on a Storied Career and a Family’s Struggle

GA Tovstonogova Adilya Velimeeva Takhir, the son of the CIS’s longest-serving employee, spoke with 78.ru about his father’s final days in the hospital. The family’s account paints a picture of a life dedicated to the stage, marked by a sudden fall that set off a chain of medical and legal events. On a winter day, Velimeev slipped on an ice-covered road, suffering a serious head injury that necessitated immediate medical attention. He underwent surgery at the Mariinsky Hospital in St. Petersburg, a facility known for its high standards of trauma care and neurovascular procedures. In the hours that followed, his condition fluctuated. After the operation, he briefly entered a coma, was brought out of it, and then returned to a coma. His family has focused on the complex medical realities that can accompany severe head trauma, acknowledging the uncertainty that doctors commonly face in such cases. Velimeev’s son emphasized that no clear results had yet emerged, underscoring the emotional strain felt by loved ones during a critical health episode. The family remains hopeful, while also preparing for all possible outcomes that can arise in intensive care settings. Additionally, Adil Velimeev’s family disclosed that a criminal case was opened in connection with the incident. The process, they indicated, involves ongoing investigations and formal proceedings as authorities gather evidence and determine responsibilities. The family’s comments reflected a cautious stance, recognizing that procedural steps and bureaucratic requirements can influence the timeline of public updates and the eventual path of the case. In the broader community, Velimeev was widely respected for decades of work in the Russian cultural sector. He spent nearly six decades at the CIS, where he oversaw the machine and decoration workshop, earning a reputation for technical prowess and a deep understanding of stagecraft. Colleagues and theater professionals recalled him as a living legend, someone who shaped the look and feel of productions through hands-on expertise and steady leadership. His contributions extended beyond the workshop; he was known for passing on practical knowledge to younger workers and for preserving a high standard of craftsmanship that helped keep performances vibrant and technically reliable. The theater world not only counted him as a skilled craftsman but also as a mentor whose guidance left a lasting imprint on many colleagues who followed in his footsteps. The official recognition of Velimeev’s passing came with acknowledgment from the broader artistic community and friends who understood the scope of his career. The date noted in most accounts marks the moment when colleagues began to reflect on a life dedicated to the stage and the people who bring performances to life. Velimeev’s legacy, built through decades of hands-on work, remains a touchstone for many who value the intersection of art and technical mastery in theater.