The father of NHL star Andrei Kuzmenko was killed in a shocking bear attack during a fishing trip on Tuesday, September 22, according to Russian reports. He was 62.
Alexander Kuzmenko and a group of five others had set up camp in a remote area of Russia’s Todzhinsky District when a brown bear emerged from a nearby forest and “attacked Alexander.”
“His friends managed to fight the animal off, drive it away, and administer first aid,” according to a Russian news report. “The injuries were extremely severe, primarily to the face.”
Russian network REN TV was first to report the news, saying “severe facial tissue” was “torn off” Alexander.
“The tourists called an ambulance and arranged to meet at the tourist camp,” the outlet reported. “Due to the lack of roads, travel in the area was only possible by water. The descent took about four hours.”
Once the group finally reached first responders, Alexander was airlifted to a local hospital where the longtime hockey coach eventually succumbed to his injuries.
It has been a record year for bear attacks in Russia, per REN TV, with at least 15 people killed. The area in which Alexander and his group had set up was previously restricted by Russian authorities due to heavy bear activity.
Andrei, 30, is currently preparing to enter his first season with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins.
“The Pittsburgh Penguins organization was deeply saddened this morning to learn of the passing of Andrei Kuzmenko’s father, Alexander,” Penguins president and general manager Kyle Dubas said 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.”
Dubas, 40, added, “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.”
A veteran forward, Andrei signed a one-year deal with the Penguins in July. He previously played in the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings.
The Kings’ social media account commented on the Penguins’ post, “Sending love to the Kuzmenko family 🖤.”
Pittsburgh is scheduled to open the 2026-2027 regular season on Wednesday, September 30, on the road against the Philadelphia Flyers.
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