Ukrainian Model Hospitalized in Dubai Following Fall, Police Report
A Ukrainian model discovered injured near a road in Dubai has been hospitalized after reportedly falling from a height, according to police authorities.
Disappearance and Discovery
Maria Kovalchuk, 20, had been missing for eight days after informing friends of her attendance at a hotel gathering on March 9.
An official inquiry indicated that Kovalchuk sustained severe injuries after entering a restricted construction area alone, where she fell from an unspecified height, officials stated.
Medical Condition and Investigation
Kovalchuk is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital. Her condition is serious, and she is reportedly unable to speak. Her family is with her, according to reports.
Reports from Ukrainian media indicate Kovalchuk disappeared after agreeing to attend a party with two men who presented themselves as representatives from the modeling industry.
She informed her mother, Anna, that she would be staying overnight with these individuals, after which she disappeared.
Kovalchuk had a flight booked to Thailand departing from Dubai on March 11 but did not arrive at the airport.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Police are collaborating with Kovalchuk’s family and relevant authorities.
Maria Kovalchuk, 20, had been missing for eight days after telling friends she had been invited to a party at a hotel on March 9
An investigation has revealed that she sustained ‘serious injuries’ after she entered a ‘restricted construction site alone’ and fell from an undisclosed height, Dubai police say
Search and Hospitalization
Following Kovalchuk’s missed flight, Anna and concerned friends contacted Dubai police.
Local authorities initiated a search and launched an investigation. Kovalchuk remained missing for several days.
On March 19, ten days after her disappearance, Kovalchuk was found injured at a roadside. She was immediately transported to a hospital.
According to her mother, Kovalchuk has undergone multiple surgeries and remains in serious condition.
Investigators have now stated that her injuries were sustained from a fall from an unspecified height.
“Dubai Police confirm that the Ukrainian citizen previously reported missing is currently hospitalized, receiving medical care with her family present,” the police force stated in a statement to The Mirror.
“A comprehensive investigation has revealed that she sustained significant injuries after entering a restricted construction site unaccompanied and falling from a height. Dubai Police are continuing to cooperate closely with the family and relevant authorities to provide all necessary assistance.”
“The public and media are urged to refrain from disseminating unverified information and to respect the privacy of the individual and her family during this difficult time,” the statement concluded.
Friends and family are hopeful for her full recovery, wishing for her to recount the events.
Kovalchuk is currently hospitalised and receiving medical care. She remains in a critical condition and is reportedly unable to speak. Her family is understood to be with her
Family and Friends’ Account
Speaking to Ukrainian media earlier in the week, Anna stated, “There is a suggestion that she attended a party. However, the promoter who organized these gatherings did not see her.”
“Today, Masha was located in the hospital in a grave condition,” Anna added.
“She has no identification, no phone, nothing. She has undergone three operations, and she is unable to speak.”
Kovalchuk’s friend, Russian model Angelina Doroshenkova, 31, commented, “We all hope for the best and are very grateful to everyone who participated in the search and assisted with information.”
Doroshenkova was in Dubai with Kovalchuk and was reportedly invited to the same party on March 9, but decided to return to Russia prior to the incident.
Background and Activism
Kovalchuk, originally from Lviv, Ukraine, is also known as an anti-war activist. She participated in an event supporting jailed Russian sociologist Boris Kagarlitsky.
Kagarlitsky recently received a five-year prison sentence on charges of ‘justifying terrorism’.
His sentencing was related to his description of a Ukrainian operation targeting the Crimean Bridge as understandable “from a military point of view.”