Fact Check: Russian rapper died of committed suicide in 2022

Fact Check: "Russian rapper died of committed suicide in 2022"

What We Know

Ivan Vitalyevich Petunin, known by his stage name Walkie, was a Russian hip hop artist who tragically died by suicide on September 30, 2022. His death occurred shortly after he expressed his refusal to participate in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, stating in a video posted on Telegram that he could not bring himself to "kill another man" (source-1). Reports indicate that he jumped from the 11th floor of a high-rise building in Krasnodar, Russia, after releasing an album that served as a farewell (source-2; source-3). His decision to end his life was reportedly influenced by the mobilization efforts initiated by the Russian government, which aimed to draft citizens for military service in Ukraine (source-4).

Analysis

The claim that Walkie died by suicide in 2022 is supported by multiple credible sources, including major news outlets and his biography on Wikipedia. His death was widely reported, with consistent details across various platforms regarding the circumstances leading to his suicide. For instance, the Economic Times confirmed that he took his life to avoid being conscripted into the war, corroborating the narrative of his refusal to participate in military action.

Additionally, the reliability of the sources reporting on Walkie's death is high, as they include established news organizations and platforms that specialize in entertainment and cultural reporting. However, it is important to note that while the majority of reports agree on the details surrounding his death, the emotional and psychological aspects of his situation, including his mental health struggles, are often highlighted in more sympathetic narratives (source-5). This suggests a potential bias towards portraying him as a victim of the socio-political climate rather than focusing solely on the act of suicide itself.

Conclusion

The claim that Russian rapper Walkie died by suicide in 2022 is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that he took his life in response to the pressures of military mobilization amid the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, expressing his unwillingness to engage in violence. His tragic decision has been widely reported and is supported by his own statements made prior to his death.

Fact Check: Russian rapper died of committed suicide in 2022