KONSTANTIN KOLTSOV “was very likely drunk” when he died in Miami on Monday, claims his ex-wife.
The former ice hockey star, who was dating Aryna Sabalenka, died aged 42 after falling from a hotel balcony.
Instagram / @sabalenka_arynaKonstantin Koltsov had been dating Aryna Sabalenka[/caption]
Instagram / @sabalenka_arynaThe couple had been together since 2021[/caption]
Instagram / @juliet2826Koltsov previously had three kids with ex-wife Julija Mikhailova[/caption]
Local police have ruled Koltsov’s death an “apparent suicide” and have ruled out “foul play”.
The Belarusian had been dating Sabalenka since 2021.
He previously had three children with ex-wife Julija Mikhailova.
Speaking to Belarusian press, Julija claimed that Koltsov did not show signs of wanting to end his life.
She told local outlet Zerkalo: “Most likely, he was very drunk. Unfortunately, hockey players are sometimes guilty of this.
“Empty alcohol bottles were found in the room where Konstantin stayed. There was a balcony overlooking the ocean. Probably Konstantin did not keep track of his actions.
“We still have the old family computer with Konstantin’s email. I knew the passwords and managed to open some emails.
“Konstantin had further booked apartments in a different location.
“Purchases that have not yet arrived have been paid for. He rented a car for a long time.
“That is, he did not intend to die. Anything, of course, can go to your head, but there was no sign of tragedy.”
Koltsov had been staying at the St Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami, where Sabalenka is set to play the Miami Open.
As it stands the world No2 still intends to play the tournament, and is set to face close friend Paula Badosa on Friday.
Koltsov had three children with ex Julija; Daniel, 18, Alexander, 16, and Stefan, five.
On Sabalenka, Julija added: “Nice girl. I loved Konstantin very much, but Sabalenka treated my children well, so I have a normal attitude towards her.”
The 25-year-old is a two-time grand slam champion, having defended her Australian Open title in January.
She became world No1 for the first time last September after reaching the US Open final.
You’re Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
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If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
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Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
In 2019 she lost her father Sergey, also a former ice hockey player, aged 43.
She later said: “I’m just trying to fight because my dad wanted me to be No1.
“I’m doing it for him, so that’s what is helping me to be strong right now.”
Ahead of her meeting with Sabalenka, Badosa said: “It’s a very tough situation.
“Yesterday I spoke with her. This morning the same. I know the entire situation, what is happening.
“That for me is a little bit shocking also to go through that because at the end she’s my best friend and I don’t want her to suffer. It’s a very tough situation.”
The Spaniard, 26, then added: “Playing against her, it’s also uncomfortable.
“But I don’t really want to talk about it because I said I’m not going to talk about it.
“She’s my best friend and I promised that. She’s a strong woman. I think she will get the power from somewhere. I hope it’s going to be a battle, a good match.”
After beating Clara Burel, Caroline Wozniacki said: “I can’t even imagine what she’s going through. I’m also tearing up. It’s such a terrible situation. It’s so hard.
“I reached out to her and I told her that I was here if she needed anything.
“I love Aryna. She’s such a great person. She’s always so happy and out there. To see her go through that, it’s heartbreaking.
“Everyone grieves in a different way. She was walking past today. I was giving her her space.
“I let her know that if she ever needs anything, I’m here, we’re here for her.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
GettySabalenka, 25, has been on the practice courts in Miami[/caption]
EPASabalenka is close friends with Friday’s opponent Paula Badosa[/caption]“}]]