Konstantin Koltsov, former NHL player and boyfriend of Sabalenka, dies in 'apparent suicide'

Police said in a statement sent to Reuters that they had responded to a call on Monday at a Miami resort about reports of a man jumping off a balcony.

"At approximately 12:39 a.m., Bal Harbour Police and Fire Rescue were dispatched to the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, 9703 Collins Avenue, in reference to a male that jumped from a balcony," said the Miami Dade police department.

"The Miami-Dade Police Department, Homicide Bureau, responded and has taken over the investigation of the apparent suicide of Mr. Konstantin Koltsov.

"No foul play is suspected."

Forward Koltsov played for the Belarus national team in the 2002 and 2010 Olympics and spent parts of three seasons with the National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins from 2002 and 2006.

His death was confirmed by Russian club Salavat Yulaev, where he was an assistant coach, as well as by the Penguins.

"It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away," Salavat Yulaev said.

"He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans. Konstantin Evgenievich forever wrote himself into the history of our club. May he rest in peace."

"The Penguins extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Penguins forward Konstantin Koltsov," the NHL team also said.

"The native of Belarus was the Penguins' first round draft choice in 1999 and was with the team from 2003-2006 playing 144 NHL games. Konstantin was teammate of both Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux during the 2005-06 season."

Sabalenka practices

Sabalenka, the world's number two-ranked women's tennis player and Australian Open champion, is in Miami for a women's WTA event.

She has not so far withdrawn from the Miami Open and was spotted on the Hard Rock Stadium practice courts on Tuesday, with posts on multiple media platforms showing Sabalenka hard at work under the Florida sun.

With a first round bye, she will have time to decide whether to play in the Miami event with her opening match not scheduled until Thursday or Friday. She is set to play either Romanian wildcard Simona Halep, who is returning from a doping ban, or Spain's Paula Badosa.

Sabalenka and Koltsov were first linked in June 2021, according to People magazine, and the world number two has frequently posted photos of them together on her Instagram account.

"I love you @koltsov2021," she wrote in one post that included heart and other emojis.

"Happy birthday my love. You are my dearest person, my best friend and my strongest support. Peace be with you, strength, patience and health.

"I hope we will have everything we planned I love you."

Koltsov also applauded Sabalenka after the Belarusian won her second consecutive Australian Open title in January.

Sabalenka lost in the last 16 at Indian Wells last week and is scheduled to play her first match at the Miami Open on Friday.