President Vladimir Putin on Monday dismissed Roman Starovoit, a former Kursk governor, as transport minister and asked Starovoit's deputy to replace him. Starovoit was found dead at a park just outside Moscow, state investigators announced a few hours later.

The Investigative Committee has opened a case to determine the full circumstances of his death, suggesting it could be suicide. Russian media, citing law enforcement sources, said the gunshot appeared to be self-inflicted. However, the timing of the death has prompted speculation.

Roman Starovoit was Russia’s transport minister until President Vladimir Putin fired him from the position on Monday. Just hours later, he was found dead in his car, with investigators saying that suicide is the most likely cause.