On Tuesday, the Russian club Salavat Yulaev announced the passing of Belarusian ex-professional ice hockey player Konstantin Koltsov at the age of 42. Koltsov was the boyfriend of tennis player Aryna Sabalenka.
Koltsov played for the Belarus national team in the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics and spent parts of three seasons with the National Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins from 2002 and 2006.
We regret to inform you that Konstantin Koltsov, the coach of Salavat Yulaev from Ufa, has passed away. In a statement, Salavat Yulaev expressed their condolences and described Koltsov as a strong and joyful individual who was admired by players, coworkers, and supporters. Konstantin Evgenievich’s impact on our club’s history will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.
The Miami-Dade Police Department informed CNN that on March 18, 2024 at 12:39am, Bal Harbour Police and Fire Rescue were sent to the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. The Miami-Dade Police Department’s homicide bureau has assumed control of the investigation and no foul play is suspected.
Known for his quickness on the ice, Koltsov achieved victory in the Russian Super League alongside Salavat Yulaev in 2008. He has since rejoined the team as an assistant coach.
According to People magazine, Sabalenka and Koltsov first became romantically linked in June 2021. The world’s second-ranked player has since shared numerous photos of the two of them together on her Instagram account. In one post, she expressed her love for Koltsov with heart and other emojis and wished him a happy birthday. She referred to him as her dear partner, best friend, and biggest supporter, and wished him peace, strength, patience, and good health. She also expressed excitement for their future plans together.
Koltsov also applauded Sabalenka after the Belarusian won her second consecutive Australian Open title in January. Sabalenka lost in the last 16 at Indian Wells last week and is scheduled to play her first match at the Miami Open on Friday.
Source: theguardian.com
