Some info in Russian: http://aboutgo.ru/pogib-aleksandr-rafailovich-bitman/
Here is a translation of the above article:
On Monday, September 9 tragic death of one of the oldest players Guo Russia - Alexander Raphailovich Bittman. He was 74 years old. He is actively playing in tournaments in Go, and do not forget about chess.
In chess, Alexander Raphailovich had the title of Master of Sports. It was even a tournament championship draw with world champion Anatoly Karpov. A recent achievements - 3rd place in the Cup Karpov among veterans in 2012 (Gatchina).
Playing in Go more than 30 years, Alexander Raphailovich was able to reach the 3-kyu, but the level of understanding of the strategy of the game - fought on equal terms with the Danes.
He did a lot for the development of Guo in our country - the only one journal publication number in the tens. This is a great loss to the world of the Russian Go.
Alexander Dinerstein
upd:
Post Alexei Navalny:
Horrible accident, one of the protesters to death on September 9 hit by a car at the Red October.
Behold, sent a letter. Looking for witnesses, answer please, if you see something or someone you know:
September 9 at 21.20 on Bersenevskaya waterfront, the house number 8, was struck and killed by car at the Institute of Systems Analysis, a master in chess Alexander Raphailovich Bittman. The driver fled. While this entire area is packed with cameras, the police claims that can be seen only on the cameras flying body, but can not see it brought down the machine. In the police any statements have been reported, investigate the murder is almost impossible.
ask all who witnessed the incident and, perhaps, remember license plate, report any information about it at
bitman1939@gmail.com
Alexander Raphailovich Bittman scientist, programmer, journalist, master in chess, a teacher and promoter of the game of Go.
Individual versatile talents, the author of the chess program Caissa (first world champion in chess computer), a poet, a member of the democratic social movements, he was loved and respected. https://www.facebook.com/navalny/posts/652618548090565