MOSCOW (AP) — Russian’s transport minister was found dead from a gunshot wound in an apparent suicide, investigators said Monday — news that broke hours after the Kremlin announced he had been dismissed by President Vladimir Putin.

Roman Starovoit was Russia’s transport minister until President Vladimir Putin fired him from the position on Monday. Just hours later, he was found dead in his car, with investigators saying that suicide is the most likely cause.

Russia's Investigative Committee, the top criminal investigation agency, said Mr Starovoit's body was discovered in his vehicle parked in Odintsovo, a neighbourhood west of Moscow where members of the country's elite live.