/pereval-dyatlova-foto-1.jpg)
Vladimir L. Shunin (Friend of Igor Dyatlov, Zina, Nikolay. He often joined them, but this time he had to skip the trip.)
Who were they - the students of the fifties - sixties? These
were the children of war (World War II). Everyone was raised in the
hungry post-war childhood. But they didn't worship money. They
believed in the ideas of fraternity, equality, freedom and faith in
the "bright realm of socialism." Study, and work for the sake of all
people ...
In those days, there were no rich people. All were
equally poor. Students earned money where ever they could. Basically
they worked loading and unloading of railway wagons. They weren't
very well dressed either. Mainly in ski suits ...
But they
had lots of fun. We had great degree of curiosity that helped us
study, learn, work, play sports, and travel.
Hiking played
particularly important part in our lives. A cult of tourism, risk
taking and courage in a face of challenges was influenced by such
books as "Dersu Uzala" by Arsenyev, "Ural - the land of gold" and
others, which we read as a children. None of these was done for the
money. We did it for the romanticism of taiga, mountains and for the
good of the motherland ...
Background: Born January 13, 1936, in Pervouralsk, Sverdlovsk Oblast,
Igor Dyatlov was a 23-year-old fifth-year student of radio engineering
at the Ural Polytechnical Institute. An experienced mountaineer, he led
several treks in the Urals and was known for his technical skills,
including building and repairing equipment. He grew up in a
working-class family during the post-World War II era, developing a
passion for hiking and skiing through the institute’s club.
Personality and Role: Charismatic, disciplined, and meticulous, Dyatlov
was a natural leader. He planned the Category III expedition to Otorten
Mountain, a 300-kilometer ski trek, ensuring the group was
well-equipped. His calm demeanor and ability to foster teamwork earned
him respect. He was possibly romantically linked to Zinaida Kolmogorova.
Death and Circumstances: Found March 5, 1959, about 400 meters from
the cedar tree, toward the tent, Dyatlov died of hypothermia. He was
dressed in a shirt, pants, and one shoe, lying face-up with his head
toward the tent, suggesting he attempted to return. Minor abrasions and
a clenched fist indicated a struggle against the cold. His watch,
stopped at 5:31, may reflect the time of death or malfunction.
Legacy: The incident bears Dyatlov’s name, and the pass was named in his
honor. His leadership and the group’s trust in him remain central to the
narrative, with debates about his decision to camp on Kholat Syakhl
fueling theories.
Zinaida Kolmogorova (Зинаида Колмогорова)
Background: Born January 12, 1937, in Cheremkhovo, Sverdlovsk Oblast,
Zinaida Kolmogorova was a 22-year-old radio engineering student at the
Ural Polytechnical Institute. Raised in a rural community, she was an
experienced hiker and skier, defying gender norms in mountaineering.
Personality and Role: Warm, resilient, and nurturing, Zinaida was a
unifying figure, often comforting others. Her strength allowed her to
keep pace with the men, contributing to camp setup and morale. She had
close ties with Igor Dyatlov and a likely romantic relationship with
Yuri Doroshenko.
Death and Circumstances: Found March 5, 1959,
630 meters from the cedar tree, toward the tent, Kolmogorova died of
hypothermia. Dressed in multiple layers but no shoes, she was face-down,
suggesting an attempt to return to the tent. Minor abrasions and a 30 cm
“baton-shaped” bruise on her side raised questions, possibly from a fall
or snow pressure.
Legacy: Zinaida’s determined crawl toward the
tent symbolizes the group’s resilience. Her bruise and role as a female
hiker make her a poignant figure in the narrative.
Lyudmila Dubinina (Людмила Дубинина)
Background: Born May 12, 1938, Lyudmila Dubinina was a 20-year-old
economics student at the Ural Polytechnical Institute. From a Sverdlovsk
family, she was an experienced hiker, surviving a snakebite on a prior
trek.
Personality and Role: Determined and spirited, Dubinina was
a resilient female hiker, contributing to camp tasks and morale. Her
close friendship with Zinaida Kolmogorova strengthened the group.
Death and Circumstances: Found May 4, 1959, in the ravine with
Kolevatov, Thibeaux-Brignolle, and Zolotaryov, Dubinina died of massive
internal hemorrhaging from a crushed chest (multiple rib fractures).
Missing her tongue, eyes, and part of her upper lip, likely due to
decomposition or predation, she was dressed in Krivonischenko’s pants,
which showed radiation traces.
Legacy: Dubinina’s severe injuries
and missing body parts are central to the mystery, fueling theories from
avalanches to foul play. Her resilience as a female hiker is celebrated.
Alexander Kolevatov (Александр Колеватов)
Background: Born November 16, 1934, Alexander Kolevatov was a
24-year-old physics student at the Ural Polytechnical Institute, having
transferred from a Moscow institute. Raised in the Sverdlovsk region, he
was experienced in hiking and had worked in a nuclear research facility,
exposing him to radiation.
Personality and Role: Quiet,
analytical, and reliable, Kolevatov was a technical expert, likely
assisting with equipment and navigation. His reserved nature
complemented the group’s more outgoing members, and he was respected for
his competence.
Death and Circumstances: Found May 4, 1959, in a
ravine 75 meters from the cedar tree, with Nicolai Thibeaux-Brignolle,
Semyon Zolotaryov, and Lyudmila Dubinina, Kolevatov died of hypothermia.
He had no major injuries, but his body showed minor abrasions and a
twisted neck, possibly from rigor mortis or a fall. He was dressed in
multiple layers, some taken from others, suggesting he survived longer.
Legacy: Kolevatov’s lack of severe trauma contrasts with the ravine
group’s injuries, raising questions about his role in the final moments.
His nuclear background fuels radiation-related theories.
Rustem Slobodin (Рустем Слободин)
Background: Born January 11, 1936, Rustem Slobodin was a 23-year-old
engineering graduate from the Ural Polytechnical Institute, working in
Sverdlovsk. Of mixed Russian and Tatar heritage, he was an experienced
hiker with a disciplined approach.
Personality and Role: Reserved
but dependable, Slobodin was a strong skier, contributing to
trail-breaking and camp setup. His quiet strength complemented Dyatlov’s
leadership.
Death and Circumstances: Found March 5, 1959, 480
meters from the cedar tree, toward the tent, Slobodin died of
hypothermia. Dressed in a jacket, pants, and one boot, he had a skull
fracture (6 cm long) that was not fatal but may have caused
disorientation. Abrasions and swelling on his face suggested a fall or
struggle.
Legacy: Slobodin’s skull fracture and position near
Dyatlov and Kolmogorova suggest a coordinated attempt to return to the
tent. His injury is debated in avalanche and trauma theories.
Yuri or Georgiy Krivonischenko (Юрий Кривонищенко)
Background: Born February 7, 1935, Georgy Krivonischenko was a
23-year-old engineering graduate from the Ural Polytechnical
Institute, working at the Chelyabinsk-40 nuclear facility. Raised in
a post-war Soviet family, he was an experienced hiker and musician.
Personality and Role: Lively and artistic, Krivonischenko was
known for playing the mandolin and singing, boosting group morale.
His technical skills and nuclear work experience made him valuable
for equipment maintenance.
Death and Circumstances: Found
February 26, 1959, under the cedar tree with Doroshenko,
Krivonischenko died of hypothermia. Dressed in minimal clothing
(shirt and shorts), he showed signs of paradoxical undressing. Burns
on his leg and hand, plus a bite mark on his hand, suggested fire
contact and possible self-injury in a hypothermic state. Broken
branches indicated tree-climbing.
Legacy: Krivonischenko’s
burns and proximity to Doroshenko are central to survival theories.
His nuclear work fuels speculation about radiation traces on
clothing.
Yuri Doroshenko (Юрий Дорошенко)
Background: Born January 29, 1938, Yuri Doroshenko was a 21-year-old
engineering student at the Ural Polytechnical Institute. Athletic and
experienced in hiking, he grew up in the Sverdlovsk region during the
post-war recovery, embracing Soviet ideals of physical fitness.
Personality and Role: Outgoing and humorous, Doroshenko was the group’s
jokester, boosting morale with songs and banter. His strength made him
vital for tasks like trail-breaking and carrying supplies. He was
romantically linked to Zinaida Kolmogorova, evident in photos and
diaries.
Death and Circumstances: Found February 26, 1959, under
a cedar tree 1.5 kilometers from the tent, alongside Georgy
Krivonischenko, Doroshenko died of hypothermia. Wearing only a vest,
shorts, and one sock, he showed signs of paradoxical undressing. Burns
on his foot and singed hair suggested contact with a small fire nearby.
A broken cedar branch at 5 meters indicated he climbed the tree,
possibly for wood or to spot the tent. Abrasions on his face and hands
pointed to a struggle to survive.
Legacy: Doroshenko’s death by
the cedar tree, with Krivonischenko, highlights the group’s desperate
survival attempt. His burns and tree-climbing are key to theories about
their final hours.
Nicolai Thibeaux-Brignolle (Николай Тибо-Бриньоль)
Background: Born July 5, 1935, in Chelyabinsk, Nicolai
Thibeaux-Brignolle was a 23-year-old civil engineering graduate from the
Ural Polytechnical Institute. Of French-Russian descent, he lost his
father to Stalin’s purges and was an avid photographer.
Personality and Role: Cheerful and meticulous, Nicolai was a technical
expert and photographer, capturing key expedition images. His optimism
and skills made him a vital team member.
Death and Circumstances:
Found May 4, 1959, in the ravine with Kolevatov, Zolotaryov, and
Dubinina, Thibeaux-Brignolle died of a massive skull fracture (6x8 cm),
causing fatal brain trauma. The injury, with no external wounds,
suggested high-impact force. Dressed in a sweater and pants, his watch
stopped at 8:45.
Legacy: Nicolai’s precise skull fracture is a
focal point for theories, from avalanches to military tests. His photos
are cherished artifacts of the expedition.
Semen "Alexander" Zolotarev (Семен "Александр" Золотарёв)
Background: Born February 2, 1921, in Udobnaya, Kuban region, Semyon
Zolotaryov was a 37-year-old World War II veteran and hiking instructor.
A Cossack, he studied physical education and led treks in the Caucasus,
using the name “Alexander” among friends.
Personality and Role:
Charismatic yet guarded, Zolotaryov’s war experience and survival skills
made him a mentor. His tattoos and camera added intrigue. He joined via
hiking connections, not the institute.
Death and Circumstances:
Found May 4, 1959, in the ravine, Zolotaryov died of multiple rib
fractures (five on the right, two on the left), causing internal
hemorrhaging. The injuries, with no external wounds, suggested
high-impact force. Dressed in others’ clothing, his damaged camera was
found around his neck.
Legacy: Zolotaryov’s injuries and
mysterious background fuel speculation about military involvement or
espionage, though no evidence supports this. His photos are key
artifacts.
Expedition Overview: The group, mostly Ural Polytechnical Institute
students or graduates, aimed to complete a Category III ski trek to
Otorten Mountain, starting January 25, 1959. Well-prepared with food,
equipment, and clothing, they documented their journey via diaries and
photos. On February 1, they camped on Kholat Syakhl, possibly due to
worsening weather. That night, an unknown event caused them to cut open
their tent and flee, leading to their deaths.
Discovery and
Investigation: When the group failed to return, a search began. On
February 26, the tent was found, torn from the inside, with belongings
left behind. Doroshenko and Krivonischenko were found by the cedar tree,
followed by Dyatlov, Kolmogorova, and Slobodin on the slope, and the
ravine group in May. Autopsies cited hypothermia for most, with
traumatic injuries in the ravine group. The Soviet investigation
concluded a “compelling natural force” was responsible, but the vague
explanation sparked debate.
Key Evidence:
Tent and Footprints:
The tent’s internal cuts and footprints leading away suggested panic.
The group left without proper clothing, defying survival instincts.
Cedar Tree Group: Doroshenko and Krivonischenko’s burns and minimal
clothing pointed to hypothermia and paradoxical undressing. Broken
branches suggested tree-climbing.
Slope Group: Dyatlov, Kolmogorova,
and Slobodin’s positions toward the tent indicated an attempt to return,
with hypothermia as the cause of death. Slobodin’s skull fracture added
complexity.
Ravine Group: Thibeaux-Brignolle, Zolotaryov, and
Dubinina’s severe injuries (skull and rib fractures) and Dubinina’s
missing body parts were the most puzzling. Kolevatov’s lack of trauma
suggested he died later.
Radiation: Trace radiation on Dubinina’s and
Krivonischenko’s clothing, possibly from their nuclear work or
environmental factors, fueled military theories.
Other Anomalies:
Orange skin tints, stopped watches, and reports of lights in the sky
added intrigue, though some were later attributed to natural processes.
Theories:
Avalanche: A 2021 study and 2020 Russian investigation
suggest a slab avalanche caused panic, leading to the tent evacuation.
The ravine group’s injuries could result from a fall, but the slope’s
low angle and lack of debris in 1959 are contentious.
Military
Involvement: Severe injuries and radiation traces suggest a secret test
(e.g., explosion or chemical exposure). Zolotaryov’s background and the
area’s military use support this, but no documents confirm it.
Infrasound: Wind-induced infrasound may have caused disorientation,
prompting a chaotic escape. This explains the tent’s abandonment but not
the injuries.
Foul Play: Theories of attacks by locals, prisoners, or
agents cite the ravine injuries and Kolmogorova’s bruise, but no
evidence of outsiders was found.
Paranormal/Extraterrestrial: Lights
in the sky and missing body parts fuel speculative theories, though
decomposition and weather phenomena likely explain these.
Legacy and
Impact: The Dyatlov Pass Incident has inspired countless books,
documentaries, podcasts, and the 2013 film Devil’s Pass. The Dyatlov
Foundation preserves the victims’ memory through archives, including
diaries and photos. The 2019 Russian reopening, concluding with an
avalanche theory, has not satisfied all, keeping the mystery alive. The
victims’ youth, talent, and camaraderie make their loss profoundly felt,
with the pass named in Dyatlov’s honor as a lasting memorial.