Superstar Athlete’s Father Killed By Bear

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko is taking a leave of absence after his father, Alexander, was killed in a bear attack while on a fishing trip in Russia, the team announced Thursday.

Kuzmenko, 30, practiced with the Penguins earlier in the day before leaving for Moscow to be with his family.

Russian media reported that Alexander Kuzmenko, 62, was fishing in the Tuva Republic in southern Siberia when a bear emerged from a wooded area and attacked him.

The animal reportedly bit him in the head, causing severe tissue damage.

Alexander was with six other people at the time, according to Russian outlet Ren.tv. The group managed to scare the bear away and then tried to get medical help.

The remote location made that difficult.

Emergency crews reportedly struggled to reach the group because of the dense forest, and it took hours before medical assistance arrived.

Andrei Kuzmenko’s father, Alexander, has tragically passed away at 62 after a bear attack while fishing in Russia 💔

Kuzmenko is taking a leave of absence from the Penguins to be with his family in Moscow.

Our thoughts are with the Kuzmenko family 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/hs3vTj8Zyf

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) September 24, 2026

Alexander was eventually airlifted to a hospital in Kyzyl, the capital of the Tuva Republic.

Doctors were unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead.

Alexander was also known in Russia as a respected hockey coach.

The Penguins issued a statement from general manager Kyle Dubas after learning of his death.

“The Pittsburgh Penguins organization was deeply saddened this morning to learn of the passing of Andrei Kuzmenko’s father, Alexander,” said General Manager Kyle Dubas 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.”

Kuzmenko is expected to remain away from the team while he spends time with his family.

The Penguins did not announce a timetable for his return.

The veteran winger joined Pittsburgh after previous NHL stops with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings.

His absence comes as the Penguins prepare for the upcoming season, but the organization made clear that Kuzmenko’s focus is now on his family following the sudden loss.

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