The body of a man who disappeared in mid-February has been found in the mountains of Transcarpathia. According to preliminary data, he is 50-year-old Oleksiy Khodakov, an associate professor at the Odessa National Technological University and an experienced traveler. This was reported by Uzhhorod City Council deputy Vitaliy Glagola on March 9, citing police sources.
The body was found on March 8 by a tourist in the forest of the Turbat tract near Mount Matiyaska in the Tyachiv district. The deceased was lowered from the mountains and handed over for forensic examination, which should establish the exact cause of death.
According to Vitaliy Glagola, Khodakov arrived in Transcarpathia on February 13, 2026 for tourist purposes, and the next day set off on a mountain route. He last went online on February 17, after which contact with him was lost.
According to Transcarpathia.news, the traveler set off on his route on February 14 from the resort village of Dragobrat. His mobile phone signal was last recorded near the village of Berezovo, Khust district, in a remote area that does not coincide with classic tourist trails. Relatives immediately began a search, and rescuers from the State Emergency Service made at least 11 attempts in February, but to no avail.
Oleksiy Khodakov had many years of experience in mountain travel and good equipment. The ONTU website states that he is a candidate of technical sciences, associate professor of the Department of Wine Technology and Sensory Analysis. His scientific specialization included innovative winemaking technologies, wine biochemistry, and improving the production technologies of still and sparkling wines.
The cause of death will be finally determined by the medical examiner after an autopsy.
