The father of NHL star Andrei Kuzmenko has tragically passed away. As reported by People, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced the heartbreaking circumstances of Alexander Kuzmenko's passing in a statement.
"The Pittsburgh Penguins organization was deeply saddened, this morning, to learn of the passing of Andrei Kuzmenko's father, Alexander," Kyle Dubas, the team's general manager, wrote. Kuzmenko plays as a forward for the Penguins.
The team went on to express their condolences. "Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with the Kuzmenko family and their loved ones as they grieve the loss of Alexander. We ask that the privacy of Andrei and the Kuzmenko family be respected at this time."
They continued, "Andrei chose to be surrounded by his teammates and practice with the team this morning before returning to Moscow to be with his family this afternoon. Andrei and the Kuzmenko family have the full support of the Penguins organization during this time."
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What Happened to the NHL Star's Father?
ALocal Russian outlet Sport 24 reported that 62-year-old Alexander was on a fishing trip in Siberia. He was with six others, and they had set up camp in a forest on the Bolshoy Yenisei River. The outlet noted that there is a ban on travelling to these forests due to the dangerous wildlife.
The group ended up being attacked by a bear, with Alexander facing the worst injuries. He was taken to a nearby village before being air lifted to a hospital, where he tragically died of his injuries.
According to the outlet, Alexander was a hockey coach himself. He was described as Kuzmenko's "first coach". As they put it: "A man who in distant Yakutia put his son on the skates one and a half years after his birth".
People on social media expressed their support for the NHL star. "Sending love from nz to the Kuzy family," one commenter wrote. Another wrote, "I hope he is allowed time away from the preseason to be with his family, RIP. Take care, Andrei."
This is a truly shocking incident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kuzmenko and his family during this impossibly difficult time.
