Former ice hockey player Konstantin Kolstsov, boyfriend of two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, has tragically passed away at the age of 42 while in Miami to support her in the upcoming Miami Open.
Koltsov, who represented Belarus in the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics and played for the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, was confirmed dead via social media by his former club Salavat Yulaev Ufa.
Reports suggest he succumbed to a detached blood clot, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans who left floral tributes outside the Ufa Arena.
This devastating loss comes five years after Sabalenka's father, also a professional ice hockey player, died at 43. The tennis star has often spoken about how her father's passing motivated her in her tennis career.
Sabalenka, currently world number two, shared a close bond with Koltsov, with whom she had been in a relationship for three years. Their relationship was frequently documented on social media, where Sabalenka posted heartfelt messages to Koltsov.
"Happy birthday my love. You are my dearest person, my best friend and my strongest support. Peace be with you, strength, patience and health. I hope we will have everything we planned I love you," she wrote in one post.
On International Women's Day, Koltsov dedicated a touching gallery of photos to Sabalenka, expressing his deep love for her.
Despite the personal turmoil, Sabalenka is set to compete in the Miami Open, carrying with her the memory of Koltsov's unwavering support.
Koltsov, known for his speed on the ice, had a successful career in ice hockey and later transitioned to coaching, leaving behind a legacy that touched many lives in the sports community.
(Source: Daily Mail UK)
