Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko has returned to Russia to be with his family after his father, Alexander Kuzmenko, was killed in a bear attack during a fishing trip in southern Siberia.
Alexander, 62, was attacked on Tuesday while fishing with six other people in the Republic of Tuva, according to Russian media reports cited by the Penguins and other outlets. He was a respected ice hockey coach in Russia.
The group was in a remote area along the Krasnaya River when a bear emerged from nearby woodland and attacked Alexander. His companions managed to drive the animal away and provide first aid before contacting emergency services. Because of the difficult terrain, emergency crews struggled to reach the group. Alexander was reportedly transported downstream by boat for about four hours before being transferred for medical treatment and airlifted to a hospital in Kyzyl, the capital of Tuva. He later died from his injuries.
The Pittsburgh Penguins confirmed Alexander’s death on Thursday and expressed their condolences to the Kuzmenko family.
Club Stands Behind Him
Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas said the organisation was deeply saddened by Alexander’s death. He also asked that the family’s privacy be respected.
Andrei, 30, attended the Penguins’ training session on Thursday before travelling to Moscow to join his family. The team said he has its full support during the period of mourning.
Kuzmenko signed a one-year contract with Pittsburgh during the summer after spending the previous season with the Los Angeles Kings. He is entering his fifth NHL season after earlier spells with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers.
He has recorded 182 points, including 85 goals and 97 assists, in 271 NHL regular-season games. The Penguins have not announced when he is expected to return to the team.
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