Russian news agency TASS has reported Vlasko, considered one of the brightest prospects in Russian wrestling, died at the scene of the incident.

According to the Russian Investigative Committee's department in the Siberian Republic of Buryatia, he was one of five athletes who were competing in an event in Ulan-Ude.

They were then invited to take a trip to the famous Lake Baikal in Southern Siberia and decided to stop on the shore near the village.

Following a conflict with "either locals or tourists", a brawl ensued and Vlasko was fatally stabbed multiple times.

It has been reported his body was found by locals after alarm bells had rung when Vlasko had not returned from the trip.

An investigation into the incident, which has sent shockwaves through Russian wrestling, is now underway.

Eyewitnesses will be interviewed as part of the probe, although there are no confirmed suspects at this stage.

"They stopped on the shore near the village of Goryachinsk," a statement from the Russian Investigative Committee’s department in the Siberian Republic of Buryatia read, according to TASS. 

"They did not take alcohol during their recreation trip. 

"At night, a conflict broke out between the young athlete who organised the trip and unidentified individuals who were either locals or tourists. 

"The conflict evolved in a brawl, during which one athlete was stabbed with a knife."

Russian coach Anatoly Margiyev said the team was shocked by Vlasko's death, which he described as a "great loss".

"Vlasko was part of the team and was one of the most promising of our athletes," he said.