The family of an ex-Russian spy who fell critically ill after being exposed to an “unknown substance” died in different ways.
The family of an ex-Russian spy who fell critically ill after being exposed to an “unknown substance” died in different ways as the mystery surrounding him deepens.
Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, 33-year-old Yulia were found unconscious in Salisbury, England Sunday. They were hospitalized in critical condition Monday.
Family meant everything to Skripal — even while he was in prison for spying for the UK.
“Sergei was excited about being reunited with his family,” Russian researcher Igor Sutyagin told The Guardian . “It seemed to me they were his major joy. I think family played a very important role in his life.”
Russian spy ‘feared for his life’ before collapse in Britain
In October 2012, Skripal’s wife died after battling cancer of the womb. His 43-year-old son died during a trip to St. Petersburg, but his cause of death was unknown. Skripal’s brother also reportedly died recently, according to the British newspaper.
Skripal had also gone to the police saying he feared someone was trying to kill him, The Telegraph reported.
Skripal’s suspected poisoning is reminiscent of the death of another ex-Russian spy, Alexander Litvinenko, who was killed by radiation poisoning in 2006.
