Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 9, 1994 TAG: 9403090158
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Jeff DeBell
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Acquaintances said the 79-year-old painter apparently collapsed in the sauna at his Roanoke County home, fell against hot pipes and incurred serious burns. The cause of the collapse was not reported.
Citing family wishes, the hospital late Tuesday was declining to release information about Solonevich's condition. Earlier in the day, a nursing supervisor reported that he was in critical condition in the neuro-intensive care unit.
Family members declined to speak to a newspaper reporter.
Karen Waltz of the Cave Spring Rescue Squad said it took about 30 minutes to reach the Solonevich home on Sheep Mountain after the call was received at 10:19 p.m. Monday.
The rescue vehicle was hindered by deep mud and other obstacles on the curving, unpaved road. The mission eventually required the use of several land vehicles, including one belonging to a neighbor, and Roanoke Memorial's Life-Guard 10 helicopter. At one point, a stretcher bearing Solonevich had to be carried on foot.
Solonevich, a painter and former illustrator for national magazines, is well-known both for his work and for his strong views on art.
He was born in Moscow in 1915. After earlier unsuccessful attempts to flee the Communist regime in the Soviet Union, his family escaped to Finland in 1934. He and his wife, Inga, came to the Roanoke Valley in 1955.
by CNB