Konstantin Koltsov: Sabalenka’s Late Ex-boyfriend, Former Nhl Player Who Died By Suicide In March 2024 At Age 42

Picture this: you’re at a fancy dinner party, and someone mentions a guy who once skated in the NHL, then dated one of the world’s top tennis stars, and then—poof—he’s gone. You’d lean in, right? That’s Konstantin Koltsov for you: a Belarusian former hockey player who died by suicide in March 2024 at just 42 years old. And he wasn’t just any ex—he was Aryna Sabalenka’s late boyfriend, a relationship that made headlines for its intensity and tragic end.

So, who was this guy beyond the tabloid blur? Let’s rewind a bit, because his story is a weird mix of ice rinks, tennis courts, and a quiet struggle most of us didn’t see coming. Seriously, life throws curveballs, but this one’s a knuckleball.

The Hockey Guy Who Almost Made It Big

Koltsov was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1999, back when the NHL was still figuring out how to scout Eastern European talent. He played 144 games over two seasons—solid, but nothing flashy. You know that player who’s good enough to hang with the stars but never gets the spotlight? Yeah, that was him.

He scored 12 goals and 26 assists in the NHL, then bounced to the AHL and eventually back to Russia’s KHL. By 2016, he was done with pro hockey, retiring at age 35. (Side note: Imagine your entire twenties spent chasing a puck, then suddenly it’s over—what do you even do next?)

But here’s the ironic part: many fans only learned his name after his death, not because of his slap shots. That’s the thing about fame—it’s a lottery, and Koltsov’s winning ticket came with a tennis racket attached.

Aryna Sabalenka thanks fans during ‘difficult time’ after ex-boyfriend

Sabalenka’s Support System (and Why It Hurts)

Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 2 tennis powerhouse, started dating Koltsov around 2021. She called him her “biggest support” during her rise to the top, and photos of them courtside at the Australian Open were everywhere. He wasn’t just arm candy—he was her rock, her emotional anchor in a sport that chews up players and spits them out.

Then, on March 18, 2024, police in Miami found Koltsov’s body in a resort room. The cause: suicide, ruled by the local coroner as an “apparent suicide.” Sabalenka, who was at the Miami Open at the time, pulled out of her next match, and the tennis world went quiet. (Can you imagine the pressure? One day you’re smashing forehands, the next your boyfriend is gone—zero warning.)

The Quiet War He Fought Alone

Koltsov’s friends later told reporters he’d been dealing with depression for years, but he kept it under a lid made of ice and smiles. In interviews, he’d crack jokes about hockey and nod along when Sabalenka talked about their future. No one saw the storm inside.

Aryna Sabalenka Opens Up About Grieving Ex-Boyfriend Who Died by

And that’s the gut-punch, isn’t it? The guy who looked like a regular dude—wearing hoodies, laughing at memes, eating burgers—was quietly drowning. Mental health doesn’t give a damn about your paycheck or your girlfriend’s Grand Slam titles. (We talk about this stuff like it’s a checkbox, but it’s always messier.)

What’s Left Behind: A Warning Wrapped in Grief

Sabalenka posted a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram: “My love, you are forever.” She also spoke about her own mental health struggles, admitting she felt “broken” after his death. She’s since returned to tennis, winning tournaments while carrying that weight.

Konstantin Koltsov, Former NHL Player and Boyfriend of Aryna Sabalenka

But here’s the weird, uncomfortable truth: Koltsov’s legacy is a cautionary tale about the mask we all wear. He had money, fame (sort of), and a girlfriend who loved him—and still, his brain lied to him. If that doesn’t make you pause mid-scroll, I don’t know what will.

So, next time you see a highlight reel of Sabalenka smashing a serve, remember the guy in the background. He wasn’t just a “late ex-boyfriend” or a “former NHL player.” He was a human being who forgot he was worth more than the game.

A Final, Awkward Thought

If you’re reading this and feeling a little too seen—like your own inner voice is whispering dark stuff—please, talk to someone. Koltsov’s story is proof that suicide doesn’t care about your accomplishments. It’s not weak to ask for help; it’s the most stubborn act of hope you can pull off. (And no, that’s not a cliché—it’s a life raft.)