Blood clot reportedly the cause of death for Konstantin Koltsov as partner of Aryna Sabalenka tragically passes at 42

The sports world is shocked by the tragic loss of Konstantin Koltsov, Belarusian field hockey player and coach, at the age of 42. Koltsov, recognized for his outstanding career on the ice, passed away due to a detached blood clot, the press service of the "Salavat Yulaev" hockey club reported.

The unfortunate incident occurred while Koltsov was in Miami, accompanied by his partner, Aryna Sabalenka, before she played the Miami Open. Tragedy struck them unexpectedly.

Koltsov left an indelible mark on the world of ice hockey. His career, which spanned several decades, was marked by remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport he loved. From his early days with Dynamo Minsk to his roles as both player and coach with renowned teams such as the Pittsburgh Penguins and Salavat Yulaev Ufa, Koltsov left a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.

In the words of Belarus Ice Hockey Federation President Dmitry Baskov, "Konstantin was much more than a hockey player. He was a leader, a mentor and an inspiration to many young athletes who dreamed of following in his footsteps."

Koltsov's relationship with Aryna Sabalenka, two-time Australian Open winners, added additional luster to his story. The couple, who shared a common passion for the sport and a deep bond, had captured the attention of fans in both the field hockey and tennis worlds.