25-year-old Olympic figure skater Denis Ten, a bronze medalist at the 2014 Winter Olympics, was fatally stabbed during a car robbery in Almaty, Kazakhstan,Reuters reports. Ten was stabbed after getting into an argument with two still-unidentified men who were attempting to steal mirrors from his car; the skater was found unconscious on the street and was only brought to a hospital after a passerby called an ambulance. He died at the hospital as a result of his injures, per the BBC.
The New York Times says Ten was born in Almaty, but spent a good portion of his early career training in California. Besides his Olympic bronze medal, he also won silver at the 2013 world figure skating championship. He competed at the Pyeongchang Olympics this year, but due to injuries placed 27th.
The International Skating Union confirmed the news and sent condolences to Denis’ family, friends, and fans through Twitter. “Denis Ten was a great athlete and a great ambassador for his sport. A warm personality and a charming man. Such a tragedy to lose him at such a young age,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said in a statement.
“Denis Ten was an incredible figure skater, the legend of our sport, our pride,” Kazakhstan’s minister of culture and sport, Arystanbek Mukhamediuly, told the BBC. “This is an unthinkable tragedy and irreparable loss.”
The ISU is deeply saddened by the news from media in Kazakhstan announcing the passing of Figure Skater Denis Ten. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Denis' family, friends and fans across the world. pic.twitter.com/1w7Isb9HJC
“Denis Ten was a great athlete and a great ambassador for his sport. A warm personality and a charming man. Such a tragedy to lose him at such a young age.” -IOC President Thomas Bach pic.twitter.com/YIZhBHy6Fi
Other prominent figure skaters, including bronze Olympic medalist Adam Rippon and former training partner Mirai Nagasu, also took to Twitter to send condolences and express their grief.
My skating friend, @Tenis_Den, passed away today. He was so kind to everyone and a huge inspiration to me and so many other people. Murdered in the streets of Kazakhstan. Denis, thank you for showing us how to be a champion. Your time with us was way too short. Love you forever.
The news of @Tenis_Den ‘s murder hits especially hard for me since I used to train with him. His commitment to his training was something I always admired. It’s hard to believe he is no longer with us and that he’ll no longer be able to share his talents with us.
Completely devastated by the passing of Denis Ten. He was as bright and kind as he was talented. This is such an incredible loss and tragedy. My heart is with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/pXGB2OdvYg
