Eduard Sandler, the president and head coach of Russian basketball club Dynamo Vladivostok, died on July 28 at the age of 44. The accident occurred in Vladivostok during a jet ski incident.
Sandler reportedly lost control of his jet ski near the Burny Business Centre in Vladivostok. The vehicle struck a stone embankment and overturned. Despite the arrival of emergency services, Sandler sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dynamo Vladivostok released a statement mourning Sandler's passing, calling it an "irreplaceable loss" for the Primorsky Krai region and Russian basketball. The club emphasized Sandler's dedication to developing the sport and nurturing players, attributing Dynamo's success and victories to his energy and commitment.
The statement concluded, "All who knew Eduard Mikhailovich will remember him as a man who loved basketball and the Primorsky Krai region with all his heart. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, friends, colleagues, and all who share this profound loss."
Sandler's tenure with Dynamo Vladivostok saw the team achieve promotion to the VTB United League, Russia's premier professional basketball competition, for the upcoming 2026-27 season. This advancement followed their successful establishment in the Russian Super League, the country's second-tier league. Prior to his role at Dynamo, Sandler coached several other Russian clubs, including Spartak Primorye, Sakhalin, and Vostok-65.