Aryna Sabalenka spoke for the first time after the shocking death of former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov.
The 25-year-old tennis star shared a short message on her Instagram Story on Wednesday, calling the loss “an unimaginable tragedy.”
Although the two have been romantically linked since 2021, she revealed, “Even though we’re not together anymore, my heart is broken.”
Sabalenka ended with a request for sympathizers. “Please respect my privacy and that of his family at this difficult time.”
She wrote the same statement in Belarusian.
Who was Arya Sabalenka’s boyfriend? What you need to know about the late Konstantin Koltsov
Arya Sabalenka’s commentary on the death of Konstantin Koltsov.
Arina Sabalenka/instagram
Koltsov, who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and competed in two Olympics during his 18-year professional hockey career, died Monday. He was 42 years old.
The Miami-Dade Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE on Tuesday that he died by suicide.
Police officers were called to St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort around 12:39 a.m. local time Monday to respond to calls about a man jumping from a balcony, Miami-Dade police said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. Authorities added that the Homicide Bureau is investigating an “apparent suicide,” noting that “foul play is not suspected.”
Koltsov was reportedly in Miami to support Sabalenka’s appearance at the Miami Open, which began on Sunday.
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Arina Sabalenka and Konstantin Koltsov. Aryna Sabalenka’s Instagram
Months before his death, Sabalenka documented a joyful 2023 for her and Koltsov via Instagram Reel.
In December’s video montage for Michael Jackson’s song “They Don’t Care About Us,” Koltsov and Sabalenka are seen kissing while enjoying a hockey game. He also takes a walk with a small child and engages in a few silly moments with Sabalenko.
It is not known when he and Sabalenka ended their relationship.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line by dialing 988, texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Line at 741741 or going to 988lifeline.org.
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Source: HIS Education