A prominent figure in Russian politics, Mikhail Lesin, was found dead in a Washington, DC, hotel room on Thursday. The cause of death has not been officially declared but reports are that Lesin, 57, suffered a heart attack and died in his room at the Dupont Circle Hotel.

The Russian millionaire was a close friend and ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and was in charge of the Russian press and media, according to USA Today. His death has been confirmed by both American and Russian sources. The Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, DC, has made no official statements about Lesin’s death except to say that the situation remains under investigation.

Police first received a call concerning Lesin at 11:34 AM Eastern time on Thursday, and they sent officers to investigate at the Dupont Circle Hotel which is located at 1500 New Hampshire Avenue NW. The Russian embassy confirmed Lesin’s death and the Tass News agency of Russia reported it soon after. Putin publicly acknowledged the death and sent his condolences to the family. Lesin had served as one of Putin’s main advisors from 2004 until 2009. Putin hailed him as a giant in the service to the Russian people and for creating what the Russian media is today.

Certain Russian news outlets like Sputnik News reported that Lesin had died in Moscow. The American media however, has widely reported that Lesin died in Washington, DC. Lesin’s reason for even being in the United States is not known at this time. Family and relatives of Lesin stated that he died from the heart attack although he suffered from an unspecified disease.

From 1999-2004, Lesin was Putin’s advisor and Minister of Press, Television and Radio. He is the founder and creator of Russia Today which is a major news network presented in English to offer the world the news in an alternative way and from a Russian viewpoint. Following that stint, Lesin was Putin exclusive media advisor for five years until 2009.