Aryna Sabalenka speaks out on death of former NHL star Konstantin Koltsov

Tragedy in hockey, as former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov passed away. Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, his former partner, has broken her silence in the wake of the tragic incident.

Koltsov was at the Miami Open, where he reportedly joined world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka (pictured). The two had been in a public relationship since 2021, per Tennis365, but Sabalenka made it clear in an Instagram story that they had split up.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

"Konstantin's death is an unthinkable tragedy, and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken. Please respect my privacy and his family's privacy during this difficult time," she wrote.

Koltsov was often there to support Sabalenka at major tournaments, such as the 2024 Australian Open, which she won.

Koltsov was only 42 years old and died unexpectedly in Miami.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

The news was confirmed on Telegram by the Russian hockey team Salavat Yulaev, where Koltsov was assistant coach.

"It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away," the statement read.

"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," the club added.

Koltsov passed away due to a detached blood clot, Belarusian media outlet Telegraf reported shortly after the tragic incident.

However, according to the Miami-Dade Police Department, Koltsov took his own life, CNN reports. He is suspected to have fallen from a hotel balcony, per the Daily Mail.

"According to investigators on Monday, March 18, 2024, at approximately 12:39 a.m., Bal Harbour Police and Fire Rescue were dispatched to the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, 9703 Collins Avenue," the Police Department said.

"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."

The Belarusian himself enjoyed a fine career in hockey, playing for the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, according to The New York Post.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

Later, he also played for Russian top club Spartak Moscow and Dinamo Minsk, amongst others.

Koltsov also made many international appearances for his national team, taking part in the 2002 and 2010 Olympics, per The New York Post.

In 2008, he captured the Russian Super League title with Salavat Yulaev, according to The New York Post. He retired from professional hockey in 2016, Tennis365 reports.

Koltsov had three children from a previous marriage, according to Tennis365.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!