Who was Konstantin Koltsov?
Konstantin Koltsov, the ex-ice hockey player from Belarus who was in a relationship with tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, passed away at 42 years old. Koltsov played as a forward for Belarus in the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics and was also a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL for three years from 2003 to 2006.
He worked as a coach for Salavat Yulaev, where he also played and helped the team win their first Russian championship in 2008. The ice hockey player hailed from the same city, Minsk, Belarus, as Sabalenka’s birthplace.
Career
After starting his career in the Belarusian league, Konstantin Koltsov was selected to join the NHL. He joined the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1999 after being drafted in the first round. He remained with the team for 144 games until 2006 before returning to Russia to play in the Russian Super League.
Throughout his professional career, he competed for teams such as Severstal Cherepovets, Yunost Minsk, Metallurg Novokuznetsk, Ak Bars Kazan, Spartak Moscow, Pittsburgh Penguins, Dinamo Minsk, Salavat Yulaev Ufa, and Atlant Moscow Oblast. He officially retired from the sport of ice hockey in 2016.
Koltsov represented Belarus on their national team, participating in various international tournaments such as the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics.
Personal Life
Before he began dating Aryna Sabalenka, Konstantin Koltsov was married with three kids. Koltsov was previously married to Julija Milahilova, and together they had three children: Daniel, Alexander, and Stefan. Sabalenka was also engaged to another person – however, she chose to keep her partner’s identity undisclosed.
In June 2021, Sabalenka and Koltsov made their relationship official on Instagram. On June 19, she posted a photo of Koltsov kissing her on the cheek while she smiled for the camera.
Sabalenka celebrated Koltsov’s 42nd birthday on April 17, 2023, by creating a video presentation on Instagram. The post showcased various clips and photos of Koltsov, including scenes of them together on a boat and at the gym.
Konstantin Koltsov Cause of Death
On March 18, 2024, Salavat Yulaev Ufa, the KHL team he coached, officially announced the passing of Koltsov. “It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that Salavat Yulaev coach Konstantin Koltsov has passed away,” the team said in a statement.
In addition, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team Koltsov played for previously, also recognized his passing on social media by posting on Instagram.
“The Penguins extended their deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Penguins forward, Konstantin Koltsov.”
The Miami-Dade Police Department officially announced on March 19 that Koltsov had taken his own life.
“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. No foul play is suspected.”
