Ex-NHL Player’s Death Ruled a Suicide

(NewsWorthy.news) – A professional hockey player who died earlier this week lost his life to an “apparent suicide,” according to investigators.

Konstantin Koltsov, who was 42 at the time of his death, previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League (NHL). Most recently, he was known for his role of coaching the Salavat Yulaev club hockey team and his relationship with Aryna Sabalenka, a fellow Belarusian athlete who is ranked the number two female tennis player in the world.

The Miami-Dade Police Department shared in a report that officers were called to the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort along the Florida coast shortly before 1 am on Monday, March 18. The 911 call alerted them that a man had “jumped from a balcony” at that location.

Police reports also show that the Homicide Bureau of the Miami-Dade Police Department had “taken over” the case, even though the incident has been described as an “apparent suicide.” Authorities added that no foul play is suspected.

Sabalenka, who was first linked to the deceased hockey player in 2021, is still planning to compete in the Miami Open on March 22. However, she does not intend to engage with the press during the event.

Koltsov’s death was also announced by Salavat Yulaev, the Russian club for which he was an assistant coach. In a statement, the club expressed “deep sorrow” at the news and remembered the player and coach as a “strong” and “cheerful” as well as someone who was “loved and respected” by both players and fans.

The Pittsburgh Penguins also shared condolences to their former player’s loved ones after his passing. Koltsov was a forward for the NHL team throughout three seasons, playing in 144 games between 2002 and 2006.

Additionally, Dmitry Baskov — who coaches the Belarusian national team — said that the athlete’s death is “an irreparable loss.” He praised the late player as having been a leader for the team as well as a positive role model for young Belarusians to work hard. Baskov lamented the “hard and unfair” situation that sees “such people leave so early.”