Alexander Kuzmenko was killed by a bear while on a fishing trip Tuesday, according to Russian news outlet Ren.tv. During a visit to the Tuva Republic, located in southern Siberia, the 62-year-old suffered extensive tissue damage after being bitten in the head by a bear that emerged from the nearby woods.
“The Pittsburgh Penguins organization was deeply saddened, this morning, to learn of the passing of Andrei Kuzmenko’s father, Alexander,” Pittsburgh general manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement on Thursday. “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.”
Alexander Kuzmenko, a respected hockey coach in Russia, was with six travel companions when the attack occurred, according to Russian media. They managed to drive the bear away before moving Kuzmenko to a nearby settlement. Kuzmekno was airlifted to a hospital in Kyzyl, the capital of the Tuva Republic, but was unable to be saved.
“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,” Dubas said. “Andrei and the Kuzmenko family have the full support of the Penguins organization during this time.”
Andrei Kuzmenko signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Penguins on July 1. He had 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 52 games for the Los Angeles Kings last season before having surgery in February to repair a torn meniscus in his knee.
Entering his fifth NHL season, he has 182 points (85 goals, 97 assists) in 271 regular-season games for the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers and the Kings, and six points (three goals, three assists) in seven Stanley Cup Playoff games.
“Myself and the whole organization, just our deepest condolences on Andrei Kuzmenko and just the passing of his father,” Penguins coach Dan Muse said. “It’s obviously just terrible news that we heard this morning.
“’Kuzy’ wanted to skate with the team. He wanted to be with his teammates. That’s why he was out there. He’ll be traveling back to Russia. But yeah, just our deepest condolences, sympathies, deepest condolences for Andrei and his family.”