Konstantin Koltsov, a former professional ice hockey player from Belarus known for his speed, and the partner of tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, was found dead at the age of 42.
According to the Miami-Dade Police Department, the athlete died by "apparent suicide," as CNN reported.
In addition to playing three NHL seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2003 to 2006, forward Koltsov represented Belarus at the Winter Olympics in 2002 and 2010.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 19, 2024
He was coaching Salavat Yulaev, a team he played a portion of his playing career and that won its first Russian championship in 2008.
“According to investigators on Monday, March 18, 2024, at approximately 12:39 a.m., Bal Harbour Police and Fire Rescue were dispatched to the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, 9703 Collins Avenue,” the Miami-Dade Police Department told CNN.
“The Miami-Dade Police Department, Homicide Bureau, responded and has taken over the investigation of the apparent suicide of Mr. Konstantin Koltsov … No foul play is suspected.”
A statement released on Tuesday from Salavat Yulaev said, “It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, passed away.
“He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, fans. Konstantin Evgenievich forever written himself in the history of our club.”
The Pittsburgh Penguins offered “their deepest condolences to the family and friends” of Koltsov, in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The late player participated in 144 games for the NHL franchise.
Sabalenka, who captured her second grand slam title at the Australian Open earlier this year, accompanied Koltsov on frequent trips to tennis tournaments across the globe.
Sabalenka called her partner "the best man in the world" and said that he "make[s] me happy every day" in an Instagram post from 2022. People asserted that the two have been together since June 2021.
The world No. 2 is scheduled to play in the Miami Open later this week after losing in the fourth round of Indian Wells, a competition held in California last week.
Note: If you are in the US and you or a loved one have contemplated suicide, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to connect with a trained counselor. Outside the US, a worldwide directory of resources and international hotlines is provided by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and you can turn to Befrienders Worldwide.
