The story of Yerbayan Mukhtar has become one of the most famous and tragic in recent years. Doctors fought for his life, his family stood by him, and thousands of caring Kazakhstani citizens offered their support. His fate reminded society that military service is not only a duty to one's homeland but also a great responsibility of the state toward every soldier.

For nearly three years, the entire country followed the fate of the young man who, after sustaining a severe injury during his compulsory military service, found himself bedridden. On June 23, Yerbayan Mukhtar passed away at the National Coordination Center for Emergency Medicine in Astana.

The Ministry of Health officially confirmed his death and stated the cause. According to the ministry, doctors had been fighting for the patient's life throughout this time. Following a severe traumatic brain injury, he remained in a vegetative state. Despite prolonged treatment in Kazakhstan and abroad, his condition remained extremely critical.

The Ministry of Health reported that in June, the patient developed infectious complications and sepsis, and the cause of death was multiple organ failure syndrome.

The ministry also emphasized that Yerbayan received the necessary treatment, was under constant medical supervision, and was provided with modern medical equipment.

However, following the young man's death, questions emerged to which his relatives have yet to receive answers.

Yerbayan's older brother, Nauryzbay Mukhtar, told journalists that the family doubts the official version of the serviceman's final hours.

"When our parents and sister saw Yerbayan, his body was still warm, blood was circulating, and his heart was beating – all signs of life were present. They asked: 'Why did you turn off the ventilator?' They were told that he had already died," he said.

The family also believes that the cause of the sharp deterioration in his condition could have been infectious complications that arose during treatment.

"Yerbayan had pneumonia. At home, he was feeling fine. We treated him for the pneumonia ourselves. Then we called an ambulance, and they came and took Yerbayan. He lay here for about twenty days. I even have videos saved on my phone – the tube through which he was breathing here was covered in pus. He was not being properly cared for at all. That is probably where the infection came from. You can see for yourselves – complications set in," the deceased's relative reported.

In turn, the Ministry of Health refuted these assumptions and stated that death occurred as a result of the severe consequences of the injury and associated complications.

After Yerbayan's death, disagreements arose between the relatives and representatives of state bodies regarding the conduct of a forensic medical examination. The deceased's body was sent for examination in accordance with established procedure, but the family opposed an autopsy.

Later, the relatives decided to abandon further proceedings. According to the deceased's uncle, Samat Mustafin, the family had grown tired of endless investigations and legal procedures over the years.

In turn, the deceased's father, Khamit Mukhtar, asked Kazakhstani citizens not to trust rumors and to await official information.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragedy continues. Deputy Minister of Defense KanySh Abubakirov reported that the criminal case is under investigation by law enforcement agencies and the military prosecutor's office.

"Those responsible will be identified, and strict disciplinary measures will be taken against the National Guard command," the Vice Minister assured.

According to him, the Ministry of Defense had maintained contact with the family from the very first days and provided the necessary assistance in the serviceman's treatment.

"When everything happened, the Ministry of Defense provided support to the family, and the necessary treatment was provided at our military hospital. We were constantly in touch with the parents. Everything that could be done, and whatever assistance could be provided, the ministry did. I believe the National Guard leadership will also participate in the funeral," he added.

It should be recalled that at the end of 2023, the young man was serving his compulsory military service in one of the National Guard units. There, he sustained a severe traumatic brain injury and was admitted to intensive care.

The military unit informed the relatives that the soldier had allegedly fallen in the restroom and hit his head on the tiles. However, the family never believed this version from the very beginning. Later, when Yerbayan briefly regained consciousness, according to his loved ones, he gestured to them that he had been beaten.

Following the injury, the young man underwent several surgeries, spent a long period in a coma, and then remained in a vegetative state. His story drew widespread public attention. Kazakhstani citizens raised money for his treatment, supported the family, and followed the news about the soldier's condition.

According to the relatives, more than 220 million tenge was raised for treatment and rehabilitation. In the fall of 2024, Yerbayan was sent to Turkey, where he underwent treatment and rehabilitation. For some time, doctors noted positive progress, but later the patient's condition deteriorated once again.

Linara SAKTAGANOVA
Astana