The father of Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko has died after being attacked by a bear during a fishing trip in a remote region of Siberia, according to multiple Russian media reports.
Alexander Kuzmenko, 62, was fishing with a group of people along the Bolshoy Yenisey River in Russia’s Republic of Tuva when the bear attacked him, inflicting severe injuries to his head and face.
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According to Russian sports outlet Sport24, Kuzmenko was part of a seven-person group that traveled by boat up the river before establishing a camp along the shoreline in the remote Todzhinsky district, approximately 112 miles from the nearest village.
The bear reportedly emerged from the forest and attacked Kuzmenko. His companions managed to drive the animal away and provide first aid before transporting him by boat to the village of Toora-Khem.
From there, Kuzmenko was airlifted to a hospital in Kyzyl, the capital of Tuva, where he was admitted to intensive care. He later died from his injuries.
Russian media reported his death on Thursday.
Authorities say fishing group entered restricted area
The attack occurred in an area where authorities had already restricted outdoor activities due to increased bear activity.
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According to Russian news outlet RBC, regional officials had prohibited fishing and campfires beginning Sept. 10, with additional restrictions introduced Sept. 17.
The Republic of Tuva’s State Committee for Hunting Supervision said the group entered the remote wilderness despite those restrictions. It is unclear whether Kuzmenko and his companions were aware of the warnings.
Kuzmenko was a hockey coach who helped develop his son’s career
Alexander Kuzmenko was a longtime hockey coach who played an important role in his son’s development as a professional player.
According to Sport24, Andrei began his hockey career at the White Bears hockey school in Moscow, where his father coached.
Alexander also coached several other professional hockey players, including Nikita Korostelev, Daniil Grigoryev and Alexander Pelevin.
Andrei Kuzmenko made his NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks during the 2022-23 season, recording 39 goals and 74 points in his rookie campaign.
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He subsequently played for the Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings before signing a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins this summer.
As of Thursday morning, neither Andrei Kuzmenko nor the Penguins had publicly commented on Alexander’s death.
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