The message reads, in part:

“Please accept my deepest condolences for this grief that has befallen you. Andrei Panin’s untimely and tragic death is a huge loss for the national cinema. He was one of the most significant contemporary actors and enjoyed wide popularity. His creative manner and artistry enabled him to perform profound and diverse roles on the screen.

“He will always be fondly remembered by his colleagues, his audience, and all those who knew this brilliant and talented man.”