Rzhitsky commanded Oscar II-class nuclear-powered submarine Krasnodar, which was used to launch Kalibr cruise missiles at Ukraine.
According to the report, 42-year-old Rzhitsky was out for a morning run between 7 and 8 a.m. when an unidentified assailant ambushed and shot him several times.
“The unidentified individual lay in wait near the Olympus gym, shooting Rzhitsky four times in the back and chest before disappearing from the scene,” Russian outlet Shot said in a Telegram message.
“Rzhitsky died instantly from his injuries.”
Other Russian media outlets confirmed Rzhitsky's death, citing police sources.
Some reports suggest that his submarine might have been responsible for a missile attack on Vinnytsia on July 14, 2022, which resulted in the deaths of 27 people, including three children.