The former professional and Olympic hockey player Konstantin Koltsov, who was dating Aryna Sabalenka, died from an 'apparent suicide' at a Florida hotel. Miami, Florida, area hotel.
Miami-Dade police confirmed that Koltsov, 42, jumped from the balcony of the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort near Miami, Florida, on May 18 without any suspicion of foul play.
“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, in reference to a male that jumped from a balcony. The Miami-Dade Police Department, Homicide Bureau, responded and has taken over the investigation of the apparent suicide of Mr. Konstantin Koltsov (04/17/1981). No foul play is suspected,” police wrote in an email.
According to BBC, Sabalenka has stated her intention to participate in the Miami Open despite the tragic event. She is the second seed in the tournament, as reported by BBC.
According to People Magazine, Sabalenka and Koltsov had been dating since 2021 and were still together at the time of his death. People reported that Koltsov was in Miami to “support” Sabalenka as she played in the Miami Open there. She first won a grand slam title in 2023 at the Australian Open, People reported, and she appeared on Netflix’s show about professional tennis, “Break Point.”
Here’s what you need to know:
Konstantin Koltsov Played on the Pittsburgh Penguins NHL Team
GettyRight wing Konstantin Koltsov #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
According to Elite Prospects, Koltsov was born in Minsk, Belarus. He was drafted in 1999 as the 18th pick in round one by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Elite Prospects reports. He played several seasons for that team.
According to Reuters, Koltsov was a forward who was a member of the Belarus national team that performed in the 2002 and 2012 Olympics. His time with the Pittsburgh Penguins spanned 2002 through 2006, Reuters reported.
According to Reuters, the Russian Club Salavat Yulaev also confirmed Koltsov’s death, saying, “It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away.”
“He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans. Konstantin Evgenievich forever wrote himself into the history of our club,” the statement said, according to Reuters. “May he rest in peace.”
Aryna Sabalenka Posted About Her Love for Konstantin Koltsov on Instagram
GettyAryna Sabalenka serves against Emma Navarro of the United States.
Sabalenka last posted a photo several days before the tragedy showing her in Indian Wells, California. “We will be back stronger next year to this paradise place ❤️❤️❤️,” she wrote on Instagram.
Fans have filled her comment thread with well wishes. “I’m sorry for your loss Aryna❤ sending you much love🙏🏻😭” wrote one.
Forty-eight weeks before he died, she posted a series of photos and videos showing her with Koltsov. and wroteShe also wrote, “I love you @koltsov2021.”
Koltsov had Sabalenka mentioned an Instagram account that she tagged in her post, but his posts were private. Sabalenka, who was born in Minsk, Belarus, has earned more than $22 million in career prize money. This information comes from WTA Tennis..
