Authorities Investigate Death of Mountain Home Physician

Authorities in Mountain Home are investigating the death of Dr. Dmitriy Zak, a respected local physician. Dr. Zak was reported missing on Monday, and his body was discovered Tuesday morning in the shallow waters of Lake Norfork.

According to Mountain Home Police Chief Eddie Griffin, the search intensified Tuesday after Dr. Zak's vehicle was located in the Henderson area. A coordinated effort involving the Mountain Home Police Department, the Baxter County Sheriff's Office, and the Arkansas Department of Correction K-9 team eventually located the doctor's body near the Henderson Campground at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Chief Griffin stated that the body will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab. An autopsy will be performed to determine the official cause and manner of death. At this time, officials have not released further information regarding the investigation.

Dr. Zak served as an oncologist and hematologist at Highlands Oncology in Mountain Home, joining the practice in 2023. In a joint statement, Highlands Oncology and Baxter Health expressed profound sadness over the loss of their colleague and friend. They described Dr. Zak as a compassionate physician who provided extraordinary care and personal attention to his patients during their most challenging moments. His dedication to patient care was recognized five times with the Baxter Health Halo Award.

To support his patients during this transition, Highlands Oncology is working to ensure that medical care remains uninterrupted. The organization stated that its clinical teams are collaborating to provide the necessary resources and support for all patients in the coming weeks.

The medical community and local partners continue to offer their thoughts and prayers to Dr. Zak's family, his colleagues, and the many patients whose lives he touched.

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