The daddy of Pittsburgh Penguins ahead Andrei Kuzmenko has died in a bear assault in Russia.

Ren TV reported that Alexander Kuzmenko, a hockey coach, was mauled Sept. 23 within the Tuva area. A bear reportedly got here out of the woods rapidly and bit Kuzmenko. His companions had been in a position to free him from the animal, however makes an attempt to deal with him failed.

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“The Pittsburgh Penguins group was deeply saddened, this morning, to be taught of the passing of Andrei Kuzmenko’s father, Alexander,” Penguins GM Kyle Dubas mentioned in a press release Thursday. “Our deepest ideas and sympathies are with the Kuzmenko household and their family members as they grieve the lack of Alexander. We ask that the privateness of Andrei and the Kuzmenko household be revered at the moment.

“Andrei selected to be surrounded by his teammates and follow with the crew this morning earlier than returning to Moscow to be together with his household this afternoon. Andrei and the Kuzmenko household have the total help of the Penguins group throughout this time.”

Bear assaults on this space of the nation have surged in 2026. In line with Ren TV, 15 individuals have been attacked throughout 4 provinces, with consultants blaming a poor harvest of berries and pine nuts.

Andrei Kuzmenko signed a one-year cope with the Penguins on July 1 and had simply reported to Pittsburgh for coaching camp. The 30-year-old has 85 targets and 97 assists throughout 4 NHL seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh opens its season Sept. 30 in opposition to the Flyers.

This text initially appeared on USA TODAY: Father of Penguins ahead Andrei Kuzmenko dies in bear mauling in Russia