Andrei Kuzmenko, who is entering his fifth season in the NHL, is experience unimaginable loss ahead of the 2026-27 season.
According to a report from Russian news outlet Ren.tv, Alexander Kuzmenko, the father of the Pittsburgh Penguins winger, was killed while visiting the Tuva Republic, which is located in southern Siberia.
Alexander Kuzmenko is a renowned hockey coach who has trained KHL stars Nikita Korostelev and Daniil Grigoryev, among others. He was reportedly touring the area as part of a fishing trip.
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Kuzmenko was bit in the head and suffered “severe facial ijuries, including extensive tissue damage.” Doctors were unable to save him.
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Sep 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko (10) warms up before the game against the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
A ban was put into place along the Bolshoy Yenisey River, where the fishing trip was taking place, a few days before the attack after increased reports of bears approaching the forested area.
According to the Ren.tv report, 2026 has been a record year for bear attacks on humans in Russia, with at least 15 people losing their lives in surrounding areas. Experts say the increase is due to “poor harvest of berries and pine nuts in the taiga: without their usual food before hibernation, the animals migrate en masse to populated areas, landfills, summer cottages, and farms in search of food.”
Our deepest condolences are with Kuzmenko’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.
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