Sergei Gavrikov, a resident of Tula who died while attempting to ascend Mount Elbrus in sneakers and without the proper gear, left a mark on the local football community. Friends describe him as a dedicated referee and a tireless teammate who loved the game as much as he valued his friends and sportsmanship. His death was confirmed by close acquaintances, who shared details with socialbites.ca and stressed that speculation about his reasons for the tragedy is baseless. The conversations paint a portrait of a man who lived for football and brought energy to every field he entered. — Socialbites
One of Gavrikov’s Moscow-based friends spoke about his long-running role on the pitch. He was known for refereeing matches at Luzhniki Stadium on Sundays and Wednesdays for nearly eight years. Colleagues remember him as a reliable officiant who could keep pace with intense games and maintain fairness. In reflecting on the online commentary that suggested different motives, the friend called such speculation nonsense and urged readers to consider Gavrikov’s everyday commitments and love of the sport instead. — Socialbites
Another friend, Artem, recalled Gavrikov as a central figure in the Sputnik football squad. He described Gavrikov as a wonderful person who brought humor and care to the team, often serving as the driving force behind training sessions and match-day strategies. Artem, himself a player, explained that Gavrikov functioned as both a teammate and a mentor, someone who offered practical advice on how to execute plays and how to support teammates effectively. His influence extended beyond the pitch, as he was generous with his time and willing to help others improve. — Socialbites
The events on March 3 brought a grim update from official sources: Gavrikov died during an attempted ascent of Mount Elbrus while wearing athletic clothing and sneakers. The Kabardino-Balkaria regional emergency ministry reported that his body was found on a mountain slope at an altitude around 4.8 to 4.9 thousand meters. It was noted that a companion had attempted the climb with him, but at approximately 4.3 thousand meters the other climber reported feeling unwell and turned back. The reports emphasize the perilous nature of high-altitude mountaineering and the importance of proper gear and preparation when pursuing such expeditions, even for experienced hikers and athletes. — Socialbites