A grief-stricken Vladimir Putin appeared devastated twice resting his head on the open coffin of his emergencies minister Yevgeny Zinichev after died on Tuesday 'trying to save a man'
* Russia's President Putin appeared devastated as he laid late emergency minister Yevgeny Zinichev, 55, to rest
* Russian minister died while trying to rescue filmmaker Alexander Melnik who fell into icy water on Tuesday
* Both Melnik, 63, and Zinichev died in the incident during Arctic military exercises near the city of Norilsk
* Putin described death of Zinichev, his former personal bodyguard, as an 'irreplaceable personal loss'
A grief-stricken Vladimir Putin appeared devastated as he bade farewell today to his emergencies minister - and former personal bodyguard - who died on Tuesday while trying to save a man's life.
The Russian leader twice rested his head on the open coffin of Yevgeny Zinichev, 55, which was draped in the country's flag.
Putin then sat with the minister's widow Natalya and son Denis at the funeral ceremony. He twice approached the open coffin, bowing his head, and as he walked away appeared distraught.
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Update #1: TEARS FOR HIS COMRADE Distraught Putin in tears over coffin of close pal who died ‘trying to save a man’s life in Arctic drill’ (The SUN)
Update #2: Putin pays last respects to late emergencies minister (TASS)
WNU Editor: Russian President Putin has known Emergency Minister Yevgeny Zinichev for over decade.
The last time that he was like this is when his judo coach (and someone who he called his second father) passed away 8 years ago .... Putin Mourns Judo Coach He Considered 'Mentor' (Moscow Times).