Aryna Sabalenka’s long-term boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov passed away aged 42 on Tuesday in Miami. Sources close to Koltsov have recently confirmed the news of his passing after several Belarusian news outlets published about his unfortunate demise. Sabalenka and Koltsov first made their relationship official in 2021. Apart from the tennis player, Koltsov leaves behind his ex-wife and three children.

The former NHL player, who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins for three seasons, was married to Julija Milahilova before he dated Sabalenka.

Koltsov’s ex-wife once tagged Sabalenka in a post about her split

Sabalenka and Koltsov became Instagram official in June 2021. On June 19, she posted a photo of Koltsov kissing her on the cheek while she smiled for the camera. The late Koltsov and the two-time Australian Open champion were joined at the hip as Koltsov traveled the world for Saba. However, before they began dating, Koltsov was married and had three children with Julija Milahilova.

Koltsov reportedly has three children from this prior relationship: sons Daniel, Alexander, and Stefan. The circumstances behind their split with his previous wife are unknown. Interestingly Milahilova tagged Sabalenka in a post about their breakup.

Taking to Instagram in April 2020, Milahilova revealed that she and Koltsov have broken up and wrote, “An appeal to all the girls hanging on other people’s husbands with kids in the family!!! This is mean !!! This is the most amazing and happiest time, but at the same time the most difficult, because a small child takes away a lot of energy, energy and time… It may happen that you will be there someday.” 

Koltsov and his children spent a lot of time with Saba, as she was about to become their stepmother.

In December 2022, Sabalenka was answering questions on her Instagram Story when a fan asked her, “Do you think you’ll be an amazing stepmother?” She wrote, “I don’t know … I guess yes,” over a photo of the young boy kissing her on the cheek. She went on to add, “Stefan loves me.” Sabalenka also tagged Koltsov in a picture of Stefan kissing her.

Milahilova often uploads on her Instagram page, where fans can find several pictures of his children. The most recent post on her page is about the birthday of her son, Stefan. She shared a picture of her in the middle with her eldest sons on each of her sides while the youngest, Stefan, held on to her right leg.

So far Milahilova has not shared anything on social media after Koltsov’s passing. It was his former team Salavat Yulaev Ufa confirmed the news as they penned a heartfelt note for him. There has also been an update on the reported cause of his untimely demise.

Belarusian media reveals the cause of Kolstov’s death

Koltsov won the Russian Super League title with Salavat Yulaev in 2008 and more recently returned to the club as an assistant coach. Sources had yet to confirm his passing, but Salavat Yulaev penned a soul-stirring note mentioning his passing.

“It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that Salavat Yulaev coach Konstantin Koltsov has passed away. He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans. Koltsov won the Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup as part of Salavat Yulaev, and did a great job on the team’s coaching staff. Konstantin Evgenievich forever wrote himself into the history of our club. May he rest in peace,” the club said in a statement.

According to Belarusian media outlet Telegraf, Kolstov died of ‘a detached blood clot.’ His demise came as a shock to the world as the 42-year-old was in a great physical condition. Regardless, he will be missed dearly by his family and fans.

Read More: Aryna Sabalenka’s Boyfriend’s Team Officially Confirms His Death With a Soul-Stirring Note