Ivan Urgant, the television host, opened up about a poignant moment from his most recent conversation with sports journalist Vasily Utkin. The reflection appeared on Urgant’s social feeds, where followers could sense a renewed bond after a lengthy pause in contact.
In the post, Urgant recounts a two-year silence and describes how a documentary about Vasya, crafted by director Vitya Kravchenko to mark Kravchenko’s fiftieth birthday, became the catalyst for reaching out. The call caught Utkin by surprise, striking him with warmth and perfect timing. Urgant recalls a surge of happiness when the two reconnected, exchanging stories and jokes in a playful, competitive banter that underscored their long-standing camaraderie. The encounter prompted Urgant to reflect on why the distance had formed and how easily it could be bridged again. He conveyed a desire to share more about the years that had passed and expressed genuine curiosity about maintaining closer contact moving forward. The takeaway was simple yet powerful: valuable relationships can be renewed when the moment presents itself. Utkin’s response to the message was described as warm and receptive, a reminder that public figures often reveal a human side beyond the public frame.
Separately, sports journalist Ivan Karpov announced Vasily Utkin’s passing on March 19. Utkin had reached the age of 52. The news was confirmed through multiple channels and left a noticeable void in the sports journalism community, where Utkin was recognized for sharp analysis and a distinctive voice. This report marked Utkin’s departure as a significant moment for fans and colleagues who followed his work over the years. Initial details shared by Karpov were later supplemented by coverage from the Baza Telegram channel, which indicated that Utkin had been rushed to the cardiology department of Pirogov Hospital in Moscow in the afternoon. Doctors diagnosed acute vascular insufficiency, and despite the best efforts of the medical team, including ventilatory support and resuscitation attempts, the outcome was not favorable. The initial stated cause of death was pulmonary embolism, a sequence of events that cast a somber light on Utkin’s career and influence within the Russian sports media.
In the days that followed, figures across the media landscape offered their thoughts. Journalists and commentators shared their sorrow while reflecting on Utkin’s impact. One public voice, Ksenia Sobchak, described Utkin’s departure as a nightmare and noted that the journalist had not been feeling well in recent times. Her remarks conveyed a sense of foreboding that accompanied the news throughout the industry.
Former colleagues also offered tributes. Dmitry Guberniev, a familiar name in sports broadcasting, said he misses Utkin on the big screen and recalled how Utkin shaped the viewing experience for sports fans. His reflections highlighted Utkin’s knack for clear, incisive commentary and his ability to connect with audiences through straightforward, sometimes blunt, insights.