The partner of Aryna Sabalenka, Konstantin Koltsov, committed ‘apparent suicide’ by jumping from a Miami balcony, according to the local authorities.
After dating Sabalenka for around three years, Koltsov was a professional hockey player who had represented Belarus twice in the Winter Olympics.
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Tuesday morning’s confirmation of his passing sparked a flood of condolences from the athletic community. Since then, the local police have disclosed that Koltsov died after falling from a balcony and that there was “no suspicion of foul play” in relation to his demise.
“According to investigators, on Monday, March 18, 2024, at approximately 12.39am, 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,” said Miami-Dade police detective Argemis Colome in a statement.
“The Homicide Bureau of the Miami-Dade Police Department responded and assumed control of the investigation into Mr. Konstantin Koltsov’s apparent suicide. There is no suspicion of foul play.
READ MORE: Aryna Sabalenka’s 42-year-old boyfriend passes away unexpectedly in Miami
Koltsov participated in 144 NHL games and the Winter Olympics as a Belarusian representative.
Koltsov represented Belarus in the Winter Olympics and played 144 NHL games (Image: GETTY)
During his hockey career, Koltsov made 144 appearances for the Pittsburgh Penguins. At the time of his passing, he was a coach at Salavat Yulaev, a Russian team. When Sabalenka last shared anything on Instagram, it was to wish Koltsov a happy birthday and refer to him as her “best friend and strongest support.” This was in April.
In an official statement, Salavat Yulaev announced the news of Koltsov’s passing, saying: “We regret to notify you of the passing of Salavat Yulaev’s coach, Konstantin Koltsov.
“Players, teammates, and fans all adored and respected him for being a strong, happy person.” Konstantin Evgenievich etched his name in our club’s history for all time.
The former hockey player and Sabalenka had been dating for around three years.
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“As a member of Salavat Yulaev, Koltsov won the Gagarin Cup and the Russian Championship and performed admirably as the team’s coach. May his memory never fade.”
The Professional Tennis Players Association posted the following on X (previously Twitter) in response to the news of Koltsov’s passing: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Konstantin Koltsov.” During this trying moment, our thoughts are with Aryna, her family, and Konstantin’s family.”
Additionally, the Pittsburgh Penguins posted the following on social media: “The Penguins would like to express their sincere sympathies to Konstantin Koltsov’s family and friends, the former forward for the Penguins. The Belarusian native was selected by the Penguins in the first round of the 1999 NHL Draft. He played 144 NHL games for the team between 2003 and 2006.