Konstantin Koltsov: Former NHL player and boyfriend of tennis star Aryna Sabalenka dies by 'apparent suicide' in Miami

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

MIAMI, FLORIDA: Former National Hockey League (NHL) player and boyfriend of world number two tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, Konstantin Koltsov tragically took his life, the Miami-Dade Police Department has confirmed, as per The Guardian.

“According to investigators on Monday, March 18, 2024, at approximately 12.39 am, 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 authorities said in a statement. 

The statement continued, “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.”

Konstantin Koltsov was in Miami to support his girlfriend Aryna Sabalenka

Koltsov, who often traveled to Sabalenka’s tennis tournaments, was in Miami to support his girlfriend’s appearance in the Miami Open, which began on Sunday, March 17.

The 25-year-old Belarusian star will stay in the tournament but will not be available to the media, per The Tennis Letter. 

When did Konstantin Koltsov and Aryna Sabalenka start dating?

Koltsov and Sabalenka first started dating in 2021.

They went Instagram official with their relationship in June 2021, as Sabalenka shared a photo of Koltsov kissing her cheek. "It's good when there is someone who is able to understand my madness😅," she wrote in the caption. “But you won't get bored with me, right @koltsov2021 ? 🤣❤️."

Konstantin Koltsov's hockey team paid respect after his tragic passing

The former Pittsburgh Penguins player’s death was first confirmed by the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) team, Salavat Yulaev Ufa, where he was part of the coaching staff.

"It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that Salavat Yulaev coach Konstantin Koltsov has passed away," the team said in a statement posted online.

“He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans. Konstantin Evgenievich forever wrote himself into the history of our club,” the statement continued, adding that "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."

The Penguins also acknowledged his death with a statement posted to social media that read, "The Penguins extended their deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Penguins forward, Konstantin Koltsov."

Konstantin Koltsov played professional ice hockey for 18 years

Koltsov played professional ice hockey for 18 years, competing in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championships and the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympic Games for Belarus.

Koltsov was first drafted into the NHL in 1999. He was part of the Pittsburgh Penguins for three seasons, from 2002 to 2006. He played 144 NHL games, according to the team.

He later played for the Kontinental Hockey League, from 2008 to 2016, before officially retiring from the sport in November 2016.