The death of Dmitry Svirgunov, noted as a co‑founder of the Cream Soda group, has drawn condolences from a wide circle of artists and fans. On the night of March 20, Svirgunov was crossing the Volga when he unexpectedly went through thin ice. Rescue teams later recovered his body and confirmed his identity.
Manizha publicly expressed her sorrow on an Instagram post shared by Cream Soda, noting that the group faces a grievous loss. The message from Manizha appeared beneath a post that had already sparked debate due to the group’s contentious status in some circles. Other artists joined in with messages of sympathy, including rappers OG Buda, Loqiemean, Obladaet and Dzhigan; actresses Sasha Bortich and Varvara Shmykova; vocalist Rita Dakota; and Ilya Prusikin, the leader of Little Big, who has faced scrutiny in the Russian Federation as a public figure. The tributes extended to the family and close acquaintances of Svirgunov as well.
The tragedy took place near the village of Dievo-Gorodishche in the Nekrasovsky district. The official report from the Investigative Committee confirms that five people briefly fell through the ice, including Svirgunov, his brother, musician Aristarkh Ukhtomsky and friends Valeria Derman and Georgy Kiselev. A young woman managed to escape independently, while Aristarchus died in transit to medical care. The Svirgunov brothers and Georgy Kiselev reportedly became trapped in a turbulent current. By the afternoon of March 20, Svirgunov was identified as the deceased, bringing a painful conclusion to the incident for those who knew him.
Local authorities have emphasized safety around frozen water and the risks posed by ice in late winter. While bleeding instinct to help was clear in the moments following the accident, responders and investigators focused on understanding how the group of friends came to be stranded on the ice and what measures could prevent similar tragedies in the future. Community members and peers in the music scene have reflected on the fragility of life and the importance of respecting natural conditions. In the wake of the event, statements from the scene highlight the need for coordinated rescue efforts and clear guidelines for crossing frozen rivers and lakes.
As the investigation continues, officials are expected to outline the sequence of events leading to the fall and the precise factors that contributed to the accident, including weather conditions and ice thickness. The inquiry also aims to determine any applicable safety violations or preventive steps that authorities can implement to minimize the risk of repeat incidents in the region. For supporters and colleagues, the focus remains on honoring Svirgunov’s artistic contributions and the human impact of the loss, while the community processes the tragedy with a mix of mourning and reflection on safety near large bodies of water.