Aryna Sabalenka partner Konstantin Koltsov’s cause of death revealed
Police investigating the death of tennis star Aryna Sabalenka’s partner Konstantin Koltsov, 42, have revealed it was an “apparent suicide”.
Miami-Dade Police Department spokesman Argemis Colome confirmed that although the Homicide Bureau responded to the incident, it was now believed to be a suicide and that no foul play was suspected.
Koltsov, a former ice hockey player who competed in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins, had been a regular presence supporting Sabalenka at tournaments.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The world No.2 frequently referenced Koltsov on social media in pictures and messages.
The news was announced by Russia ice hockey team Salavat Yulaev Ufa, where Koltsov had been assistant coach.
Koltsov was in Miami ahead of Sabalenka playing in the Miami Open.
Koltsov represented Belarus at the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics and was also a coach of the national team.
National team coach Dmitry Baskov called Koltsov’s death “an irreparable loss.”
“Konstantin was one of the undisputable leaders of our team, a talented progressive coach, a bright player,” Baskov said in a statement.
“He was an example of sturdiness, hard work, dedication and an idol for many Belarusian boys and his colleagues. It’s hard and unfair when such people leave so early.”
A statement on Salavat Yulaev Ufa’s website said Koltsov “forever wrote himself into the history of our club. Koltsov won the Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup as part of Salavat Yulaev and did a great job on the team’s coaching staff.”
Pictures showed tributes to Koltsov outside Ufa Arena laid by fans of Salavat Yulaev.
Sabalenka, who won her second grand slam title at the Australian Open in January, is due to play her first match at the Miami Open later this week, although her participation must now be in severe doubt.
It is the second tragedy to hit the 25-year-old Belarusian, whose father Sergey, also a former ice hockey player, died in 2019 at the age of 43.
Sabalenka’s victory at the Australian Open fulfilled the dream she shared with her father of winning two slam titles by the age of 25 and, speaking in Melbourne, she said: “It was really important. Of course he’s my biggest motivation. He’s been everything for me.”
Messages sent to Sabalenka’s publicist and tournament officials seeking comment were not immediately returned.
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