Father of former Canucks forward Kuzmenko dies tragically in bear attack

Andrei Kuzmenko’s father has died tragically while on a fishing trip in Russia.

REN TV reports that Alexander Kuzmenko was attacked by a bear that emerged from the forest in the Tuva Republic, which is located north of Mongolia, resulting in lacerations to his face. He reportedly survived the initial attack and received first aid from his companions. While the group had a satellite phone and was able to call a hospital, they were so remote that it required a four-hour trip by boat down the Yenisei River to reach a waiting ambulance.

The long-time hockey coach reached the hospital in serious condition and ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

Kuzmenko made his NHL debut with the Canucks in 2022. (Bob Frid/USA TODAY Sports)

Andrei Kuzmenko was preparing for his fifth NHL season, joining the Pittsburgh Penguins in the offseason after stints with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, and Los Angeles Kings. The 30-year-old has taken a leave of absence to travel to Russia to be with his family.

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

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