Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko has taken a leave of absence after his father was killed in a bear attack during a fishing trip in southern Siberia.
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Alexander Kuzmenko, 62, was attacked while visiting the Tuva Republic with six companions, according to Russian news outlet Ren.tv.
The bear reportedly emerged from nearby woods and attacked Kuzmenko. His companions managed to drive the animal away and transported him to a nearby settlement.
Kuzmenko was later airlifted to a hospital in Kyzyl, the capital of the Tuva Republic, but doctors were unable to save him.
Alexander was a respected hockey coach in Russia who spent years developing young players.
"The Pittsburgh Penguins organization was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Andrei Kuzmenko's father, Alexander," Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement.
The 30-year-old Andrei Kuzmenko practiced with his teammates Thursday before traveling to Moscow to be with his family.
Dubas said Kuzmenko chose to skate because he wanted to be surrounded by his teammates before leaving the United States. The organization asked that his family's privacy be respected.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 24, 2026
Kuzmenko signed a one-year, $5 million contract with Pittsburgh in July. He spent last season with the Los Angeles Kings, recording 13 goals and 12 assists in 52 games before undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
The Russian forward has collected 85 goals and 97 assists across 271 regular-season NHL games with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers and Kings.
The Penguins did not provide a timetable for Kuzmenko's return.
