Konstantin Koltsov dead at 42: Boyfriend of Australian Open champ Aryna Sabalenka and former NHL star dies
FORMER NHL star and Olympian Konstantin Koltsov has died at the age of 42.
The Belarusian was the boyfriend of tennis superstar and double Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, 25.
He appeared at both the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics for his national ice hockey team.
Koltsov also played at the highest level in the NHL, spending time with the Pittsburgh Penguins between 2002 and 2006.
Afterwards, he won the Russian Super League title with Salavat Yulaev in 2008.
And Koltsov had recently spent time there as assistant coach.
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His cause of death has not been revealed.
It was announced in a statement by Salavat, with a club statement reading: "It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away.
"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. May he rest in peace."
Sabalenka and Koltsov reportedly began dating in 2021.
He has three children from a previous relationship.
On Kolstov's birthday last year, Sabalenka wrote on Instagram: "I love you @koltsov2021.
"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."
Sabalenka, who won her second straight Australian Open in January, is currently scheduled to play at the Miami Open on Friday.
It's not the first time she's experienced a tragic personal loss.
Her father, Sergey, passed away at the age of 43 five years ago.
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He was also a former ice hockey player.
Sabalenka previously revealed that she promised him she would become a Grand Slam
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