The Pittsburgh Penguins confirmed this week that Andrei Kuzmenko is taking a leave of absence.
It was sadly reported this week that Kuzmenko’s father, Alexander, was killed by a bear during a fishing trip in southern Siberia. Russian news outlet Ren.tv. reported that Kuzmenko’s father suffered fatal head injuries after being attacked in the woods.
Even though Kuzmenko’s father was rushed to a nearby hospital, he ultimately passed away due to the injuries he sustained in the bear attack.
Now, Kuzmenko is heading back home to Russia to be with his family.
“The Pittsburgh Penguins organization was deeply saddened this morning to learn of the passing of Andrei Kuzmenko’s father, Alexander,” general manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement. “Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with the Kuzmenko family and their loved ones as they grieve the loss of Alexander. We ask that the privacy of Andrei and the Kuzmenko family be respected at this time. Andrei chose to be surrounded by his teammates and practice with the team this morning before returning to Moscow to be with his family this afternoon. Andrei and the Kuzmenko family have the full support of the Penguins organization during this time.”
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images.
Prayers pouring in for Kuzmenko.
“Such a terrible tragedy. Hope Kuzy can make it home quickly,” one person said.
“Canucks fan here and still a fan of Kuz. Sad story…. Thoughts for him and his family,” a second person wrote.
“This can’t be real. How terrible. Heartfelt condolences to Andrei’s family,” another fan commented.
It’s unclear when Kuzmenko will return to the Penguins. He signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the club this past summer.
