Father of Penguins Forward Andrei Kuzmenko Dies After Bear Attack in Siberia

The father of Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko died following a bear attack while on a fishing trip in a remote region of Siberia, according to multiple Russian media reports.

Alexander Kuzmenko, 62, was with a group of seven people along the Bolshoy Yenisey River in Russia's Republic of Tuva when a bear emerged from the forest and attacked him, inflicting severe injuries to his head and face.

The group managed to drive the animal away and administered first aid before transporting Kuzmenko by boat to the village of Toora-Khem. He was subsequently airlifted to a hospital in Kyzyl, the capital of Tuva, where he was admitted to intensive care and later died from his injuries.

Authorities have stated that the fishing group entered a restricted area where outdoor activities had been prohibited due to increased bear activity. Regional officials had banned fishing and campfires beginning September 10, with further restrictions implemented on September 17. It remains unclear if Kuzmenko and his companions were aware of these warnings.

Alexander Kuzmenko was a longtime hockey coach and played a significant role in his son's development. Andrei Kuzmenko began his hockey career at the White Bears hockey school in Moscow, where his father coached. Alexander also coached other professional players.

Andrei Kuzmenko joined the Pittsburgh Penguins this summer on a one-year contract. He previously played for the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, and Los Angeles Kings. As of Thursday morning, neither Kuzmenko nor the Penguins had publicly commented on his father's death.