On 18 March, former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov, boyfriend of tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, tragically died by suicide, confirmed by the Miami-Dade Police Department. The incident occurred at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort during Sabalenka’s participation in the Miami Open. Despite the devastating loss, Sabalenka continued in the tournament but declined media interactions.
Koltsov and Sabalenka began dating in 2021, publicly acknowledging their relationship on Instagram. Sabalenka described Koltsov as someone who understood her “madness” and expressed mutual affection in her post.
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The 25-year-old Belarusian tennis sensation and Koltsov had been seen together frequently, with Koltsov providing support at her tournaments.
News of Koltsov’s passing was first confirmed by his former KHL team, Salavat Yulaev Ufa, where he served on the coaching staff. The team expressed profound sorrow, highlighting Koltsov’s positive impact on players, colleagues, and fans. They commemorated his achievements, including winning the Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, Koltsov’s former NHL team, also mourned his death and extended condolences to his family and friends. Koltsov’s professional hockey career spanned 18 years and included appearances in the IIHF World Championships and the Winter Olympic Games for Belarus. He played 144 NHL games with the Penguins from 2002 to 2006 and contributed significantly to the team.
Following his NHL career, Koltsov transitioned to the Kontinental Hockey League, where he played until 2016 before officially retiring from the sport. His legacy as a talented athlete and beloved figure in hockey circles will endure, with tributes from fans, teammates, and organizations worldwide.
The tragic loss of Konstantin Koltsov serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness.
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