Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko is taking time away and returning to Russia after his father, Alexander Kuzmenko, is killed in a bear attack during a fishing trip. Multiple outlets report that Alexander was 62 and that the incident happened in a remote area near the Mongolian border, in Russia’s Republic of Tuva.
Reports state that the attack occurred while Alexander was fishing with a group in a restricted area, and that he is airlifted to hospital but dies from his injuries. Coverage also notes that Andrei signed with the Penguins this offseason and is preparing for his first NHL season, including training camp attendance at the time of his father’s death. Different outlets emphasize different details: some focus on Kuzmenko stepping away from the team or taking a leave of absence, while others focus on his return to Russia ahead of the NHL season. One outlet also attributes the initial death report to Russian broadcaster REN TV.
Overall reporting is consistent on the central facts: a bear attack in Tuva kills Alexander Kuzmenko, and Andrei Kuzmenko pauses team activities as he responds to his father’s death.
