The father of an NHL star was tragically killed by a bear attack at 62 years old earlier this month.
Andrei Kuzmenko, a star forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins, is from Russia. His father, Alexander, was reportedly on a fishing trip with friends, when they ran into a bear. The bear reportedly attacked the father of the NHL star and left him with fatal wounds. Alexander Kuzmenko was ultimately hospitalized following the attack, before passing away.
Ren.tv was the first to report the tragic news.
Russian media confirmed that the father of the NHL forward was killed in a bear attack in Southern Siberia.
Alexander Kuzmenko was on a fishing trip in the Tuva Republic on the Bolshoy Yenisei River Tuesday. A bear emerged out of the woods, startling the men, before attacking. Alexander Kuzmenko suffered fatal head injuries after being bitten by the bear. The man’s friends were able to eventually get the bear to leave, before driving to the hospital. Just days before the attack, Russia put out a countrywide alert, making note that bears were increasing in presence and could be dangerous.
The father of the NHL star ultimately passed away at the hospital.
Alexander Kuzmenko has been a longtime hockey coach in Russia. He has coached some of the top players to come out of the country.
Andrei Kuzmenko, 30, is entering his first season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He signed with the franchise in free agency. Kuzmenko agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with the Eastern Conference franchise.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family members during this difficult time. May his father rest in peace.
