From the Mountain Home Police department:
On August 24, 2026, the Mountain Home Police Department received a report of a missing person, identified as Dr. Dmitriy Zak of Mountain Home.
On August 25, 2026, Dr. Zak’s vehicle was located in the Henderson area. The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas Department of Correction K-9 Team, and Mountain Home Police Department responded to assist with the search.
At approximately 11:30 a.m., Dr. Zak’s body was located in shallow water near the Henderson Campground.
The investigation remains ongoing. Dr. Zak’s body will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. No further information is available at this time.
From Highlands Oncology and Baxter Health:
With profound sadness, the physicians and staff of Highlands Oncology and Baxter Health mourn the sudden passing of our colleague, physician and friend, Dr. Dmitriy Zak.
Dr. Zak joined Highlands Oncology at Baxter Health in 2023 and quickly became a trusted physician to patients and families throughout Mountain Home and the surrounding communities. He was known not only for his expertise as a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist, but also for the extraordinary time, compassion, and personal attention he gave to his patients.
He listened. He cared. And he walked alongside patients and families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Dr. Zak’s commitment to compassionate care was recognized 5 times with the Halo Award from Baxter Health — a reflection of the physician and person so many came to know, trust and appreciate.
Highlands Oncology is actively working to ensure continuity of care for Dr. Zak’s patients in Mountain Home. Our patients will continue to be cared for and supported without interruption. Our clinical teams are working together to ensure each patient has the care and resources they need in the days and weeks ahead.
We are deeply grateful to our partners at Baxter Health, who are standing alongside Highlands, our staff, our patients, and the Mountain Home community as we navigate this tremendous loss together.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with Dr. Zak’s family, his patients, his colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched.
