Julija Mihailova, the ex-wife of former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov, shared an emotional message on social media after the news of his death at the age of 42 earlier this week.
Mihailova, 44, who works for a real estate company in South Florida, posted a photo on Instagram of Koltsov with their three sons: Daniel, 18, Alexander, 16, and 5-year-old Stefan.
“On March 18, my children lost their dad… 3 days have passed and still no realization comes,” her caption read in Russian, according to Google Translate. “Thank you everyone for your warmth and support during this difficult time for us.. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
“I know for many of you Konstantin was a close person, a friend, a playmate. And you would like to say goodbye to him with dignity. The funeral will take place in Minsk. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you the exact date yet.”
Koltsov died of an “apparent suicide,” according to the Miami-Dade Police Department, which said first responders were dispatched to the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami Beach for a male who jumped from a balcony Monday. No foul play was suspected.
According to The Daily Mail, Mihailova recently told the told Zerkalo, a media outlet in her native Belarus, that “most likely, [Koltsov] was very drunk” at the time of the fatal incident.
“Empty alcohol bottles were found in the room where Konstantin stayed,” she said, adding that the tragedy occurred on the 23rd floor of the hotel. “There was a balcony overlooking the ocean. Probably Konstantin did not keep track of his actions.”
Mihailova reportedly said her ex-husband had “purchases that have not yet arrived” and that he “did not intend to die. Anything, of course, can go to your head, but there was no sign of tragedy.”
Koltsov was said to be dating tennis star Aryna Sabalenka at the time of his death, but she explained in a note on Instagram that the two were broken up.
Mihailova went on to explain her relationship with the world No. 2 Sabalenka, who will play in the Miami Open on Friday after a first-round bye.
“Nice girl. I loved Konstantin very much, but Sabalenka treated my children well, so I have a normal attitude towards her,” Mihailova said.
Sabalenka reportedly will not participate in post-match press conferences during the Miami Open, and instead released a statement on her Instagram Story in both English and Belarusian.
“Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy, and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” Sabalenka wrote. “Please respect my privacy and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Koltsov’s death was confirmed by Russian club Salavat Yulaev, where he was an assistant coach.
The Belarusian spent three seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins and appeared in 144 games from 2002-06.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
