Belarusian Ex-NHL Player Dies by Suicide; Was Dating Tennis Star Sabalenka

Konstantin Koltsov Found Dead in Miami-Dade County

Sabalenka Requested Privacy Amid 'Unthinkable Tragedy'

Konstantin Koltsov, a former professional ice hockey player from Belarus and the ex-partner of tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, has died by apparent suicide at the age of 42.

Koltsov's death was confirmed by the Miami-Dade Police Department, which said he was found dead in his apartment on April 18, 2023. The cause of death was determined to be suicide by hanging.

Sabalenka, who is currently ranked No. 2 in the world in women's tennis, has asked for privacy in the wake of this tragedy. The couple had been dating for several years and had recently broken up.

Koltsov played in the NHL for 10 seasons, mostly for the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. He retired from hockey in 2013.

Sabalenka is scheduled to play in the Miami Open next week. It is unclear if she will still compete in the tournament following Koltsov's death.