Ex-boyfriend of a top-seeded Miami Open player jumped from a Bal Harbour hotel, cops say
The ex-boyfriend of the world’s No. 2 women’s tennis player and a top seed in the Miami Open jumped to his death from a Bal Harbour hotel early Monday, Miami-Dade police said.
Konstantin Koltsov, a native of Belarus whose 19-year pro hockey career included three with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, was 42 years old.
Wednesday, Aryna Sabalenka issued a statement: “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.”
Sabalenka will open her tournament Friday against close friend Paula Bedosa.
Miami-Dade police detailed in Monday’s first hour, around 12:39 a.m., Bal Harbour Police and Fire Rescue found Koltsov after he jumped from a balcony at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, 9703 Collins Ave. Though Miami-Dade’s homicide detectives are handing the investigation, the department said nothing other than Koltsov taking his own life is suspected.
Pittsburgh took Koltsov 18th overall in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, but the forward played in only 144 NHL games, scoring 12 goals and picking up only 26 assists from 2002 through 2006.
He achieved much more success in the Russian League and international play. Koltsov played for the Belarus national team in 10 IIHF World Championship tournaments and the 2002 and 2010 Olympics, serving as captain for some of the tournaments. He played for several teams in the Russian League over the years, including Spartak Moscow and Metallurg Novkuznetsk.
If you or someone you know is thinking about self-harm, don’t do it — call the toll-free 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
For the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline, dial 800-799-7233, text “START” to 88788 or visit thehotline.org.
Herald Sports Writer Michelle Kaufman contributed to this story.
This story was originally published March 19, 2024 at 2:38 PM.
