Beloved Russian player tragically passes away after brutal fight

The news is shocking as fans found out that 37-year old Russian hockey player Artem Tortochakov, who was beloved by his HC Abakan Metallurg teammates, had passed away in a tragic incident earlier this week.

Police revealed that Tortochakov was involved in a brawl outside a bar on November 3rd and suffered a traumatic brain injury after receiving several blows to the head. Despite attempts to revive him, he would ultimately pass away in the hospital due to traumatic brain injuries.

The HC Abakan Metallurg released a statement calling him the heart and soul of the team.

An investigation has been launched into the death of Tortochakov with a 25-year-old man being identified as their main suspect, per Ria Novosti. Please note the following it translated:

“The press service of the Investigative Committee told RIA Novosti that a criminal case has been opened against a 25-year-old resident of Abakan regarding the death of a 37-year-old man as a result of a fight. According to investigators, on the night of November 3, the deceased and the suspect had a fight while near one of the entertainment establishments in Abakan. Afterwards, the suspect struck the victim several times with his hands and a kick in the head. Then the fight moved further away from the establishment.

"The victim was taken to the hospital; however, despite the resuscitation measures taken, it was not possible to save the man; he died in the evening of November 3.”

Our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and teammates of Artem Tortochakov. Rest in peace.