Hockey player, 18, dies ‘after falling from an apartment building’ hours after representing the London Knights in the OHL… but ‘foul play is not suspected’
Ice hockey player Abakar Kazbekov has died at the age of 18, his team, the London Knights and the Ontario Hockey League, announced on Saturday.
The Russian-born center played in a 5-2 home win against Owen Sound Attack on Friday.
The joint statement gave no further details about his death, but according to multiple media reports, Kazbekov died on Saturday morning after falling from a downtown apartment building.
Ice hockey player Abakar Kazbekov has died at the age of 18, his team and the league announced
London police are investigating the incident, but no third-party fault is suspected.
The statement read: “The Ontario Hockey League and the London Knights are saddened to announce the sudden death of player Abakar Kazbekov.
“Abakar has been a valued member of the team since 2021. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates.”
The London Knights and Ontario Hockey League announced the tragic news on Saturday
The Moscow native has been a member of the Knights since the start of last season. He previously played in the Russian U16 and U18 leagues.
Kazbekov has provided one assist in 12 games for London this season and scored in nine games last season.
London’s game against the Flint Firebirds scheduled for Saturday night has been postponed.
The league also announced the postponement of two more games – the Erie Otters versus Saginaw Spirit and Kingston Frontenacs versus the Peterborough Petes – due to sensitivity to people involved in the games who were close to Kazbekov.
“Today, I join the entire OHL community in mourning the devastating loss of London Knights player Abakar Kazbekov,” OHL Commissioner David Brance said in a statement, The Sports Network reported.
“Our deepest condolences go to his family and friends in Russia and to his teammates, quarters and friends here in Canada.”