Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov died after jumping from a balcony in Miami in an ‘apparent suicide’, local police have confirmed. Koltsov, who had been dating Sabalenka for around three years, was a professional hockey player and had featured at the Winter Olympics twice for his nation Belarus.

His death was confirmed on Tuesday morning, with the announcement sparking a wave of condolences from across the sporting world. Local police have since revealed that Koltsov died after jumping from a balcony and that ‘no foul play’ was suspected regarding the circumstances of his death.

Argemis Colome, a Miami-Dade police detective, issued the following statement: “According to investigators on Monday, March 18, 2024, at approximately 12.39am, 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 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.”

Koltsov made 144 appearances in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins during his hockey career and was a coach at Russian club Salavat Yulaev at the time of his death. Sabalenka last posted about Koltsov in April to wish him a happy birthday, calling him her ‘best friend and strongest support’.

Salavat Yulaev broke the news of Koltsov’s death with an official statement, which read: “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.

“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. May his memory burn bright.”

Several tributes have been paid to Koltsov following the news of his death, with the Professional Tennis Players Association posting on X (formerly Twitter): “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Konstantin Koltsov. Our hearts are with Aryna, Aryna’s family and Konstantin’s family during this difficult time.”

The Pittsburgh Penguins also posted a message on social media, which read: “The Penguins extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Penguins forward, Konstantin Koltsov. The native of Belarus was the Penguins’ first-round draft choice in 1999 and was with the team from 2003-2006, playing 144 NHL games.”

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