TW: Former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov’s death in Miami and his relationship with tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, caused shock and tributes in the sports community.

Former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov tragically passed away at the age of 42 in what has been ruled as an apparent suicide by the Miami-Dade Police Department. The incident occurred at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami, where Koltsov was reported to have jumped from a balcony early Monday morning.

Koltsov, known for his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, had been dating tennis star Aryna Sabalenka since 2021. He was in Miami to support Sabalenka during her participation in the Miami Open. The 25-year-old Sabalenka ranked world No. 2, will continue competing in the tournament but will not be available for media interactions.

The couple’s relationship became public in June 2021 when Sabalenka shared a photo of Koltsov kissing her cheek on Instagram, expressing appreciation for his understanding of her personality quirks.

The news of Koltsov’s passing was first announced by Salavat Yulaev Ufa, a team in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) where Koltsov served as part of the coaching staff. The team expressed deep sorrow over his loss, highlighting his positive impact and contributions to the club’s history.

The Pittsburgh Penguins, with whom Koltsov played for three seasons, also paid tribute to him, offering condolences to his family and friends.

Koltsov had a notable career spanning 18 years, including appearances in the IIHF World Championships and the Winter Olympic Games for Belarus in 2002 and 2010. After retiring from professional hockey in 2016, he remained involved in the sport as a coach.

The tragic loss of Konstantin Koltsov has deeply affected the hockey and sports communities, with tributes pouring in to honor his memory as a skilled player and beloved figure in the hockey world.

Published by: HOLR Magazine

Image Credit:@sabalenka_aryna Instagram