Russia’s State Minister and Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, Peter Aleksandrovich Kucherenko, passed away at the age of 46, on Saturday (20), according to an official note from the ministry.

Peter Kucherenko fell ill on the plane in which the Russian delegation was returning from a business trip to Cuba.

The plane landed in the Russian city of Mineralnye Vody, where he received medical care and died.

“We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Peter Alexandrovich,” the statement read.

After graduating from the Russian People’s Friendship University with a degree in jurisprudence, the deputy minister headed several public structures, participated in the implementation of state-state partnership projects in the social and educational spheres.

Between 2012 and 2014, he served as Chief of Staff of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation, Legal and Judicial Issues, and Civil Society Development in the country.

Between 2014 and 2020, Kucherenko served as Chief of Staff of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building.

In 2020, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. In 2021, he will also become Secretary of State.

Kucherenko owned the Order of the Order “For Merit for the Fatherland” 2nd degree and the title of Acting State Councilor of the Russian Federation, 2nd degree.

The Russian foreign minister survived his wife and son.