The city rescue service confirmed that Serhiy Gurevsky died while swimming in the waters off Barra de Tijuca beach on January 6.
Lifeguards spotted Gurevsky struggling in heavy waves and strong currents and were able to pull the Belarus consul from the water in serious condition but still alive.
But Gurevsky died on route to the hospital.
Russia's ITAR-TASS news agency reported that Gurevsky's term as consul had ended on January 4 and that he planned to return to Belarus.
Reports said his body had been released to consular officials and was to be transported to Belarus for burial.
