According to several reports, the father of Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko has died after a bear attack in Russia.
According to Russian media outlet Ren.tv, Alexander Kuzmenko died after an attack in the Tuva area of the country.
Ren.tv reports Alexander was attacked by a bear that had come out of a forest, biting him in the head. Those with Alexander were able to get the bear off of him but doctors were unable to save him.
According to the media outlet, 2026 has been a record year for bear attacks on people, stemming from a lack of food sources for the bears.
Alexander Kuzmenko was a well-respected hockey coach in Russia
The 30-year-old Andrei Kuzmenko signed a one-year, deal worth $5 million in the offseason with Pittsburgh and is entering his 5th year in the NHL.
The Penguins released the following statement, expressing their condolences.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 24, 2026
