The body of Dr. Dmitriy Zak, a local oncologist and hematologist, was recovered from Lake Norfork on Tuesday morning, officials confirmed. Dr. Zak, who practiced with Highlands Oncology at Baxter Health, was found in shallow water near the Henderson Campground around 11:30 a.m., Mountain Home Police Chief Eddie Griffin stated.
The search for Dr. Zak began when his vehicle was located in the Henderson area late Tuesday morning. The Mountain Home Police Department, the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, and a K-9 unit from the Arkansas Department of Correction were involved in the subsequent search efforts. Dr. Zak’s body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. No additional details were available at the time of reporting.
Dr. Zak, known for his work treating oncology and hematology patients in the region, had been practicing in Mountain Home since 2019. Initially working at the former Baxter Regional Medical Center, he joined Highlands Oncology at Baxter Health in 2023. Dr. Zak was recognized multiple times with Baxter Health’s Halo Award, honoring his dedication and compassionate care for patients.
In a joint statement, Highlands Oncology and Baxter Health expressed deep grief over the loss. “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... He was known not only for his expertise but for the extraordinary time, compassion, and personal attention he gave to his patients.”
Dr. Zak completed his medical studies at the Second Tashkent State Medical Institute in Uzbekistan and underwent fellowship training in hematology and medical oncology at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. He was board-certified in hematology, internal medicine, and medical oncology.
The joint statement also affirmed Highlands Oncology’s commitment to ensuring continuity of care for Dr. Zak’s patients in Mountain Home. Clinical teams are working together to provide uninterrupted support, and the organization thanked Baxter Health for its cooperation during this time of loss.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Dr. Zak’s family, his patients, his colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched,” the statement concluded.