Death of former Penguins forward Konstantin Koltsov sadly confirmed

The unfortunate news that was rumored but not officially confirmed as of late last night has now officially been confirmed. Former Pittsburgh Penguins draft selection Konstantin Koltsov, a native of Belarus who would suit up in three season for the team, has indeed died at the age of 42. 

Original Story: 

The Pittsburgh Penguins extended family has already suffered a tragic loss earlier this season with the sudden death of former forward Adam Johnson after a freak accident while playing overseas this past October. And now, there is more sad news that is making the rounds on social media. 

Former Penguins forward Konstantin Koltsov, who was selected 18th overall by the Penguins in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft and would later play three seasons for the franchise from 2002 to 2006, has reportedly died at the age of 42. The news, which has yet to be officially confirmed, is being reported by multiple outlets on social media. 

Additional information has been released:

"The exact circumstances of Konstantin Kaltsov's death are still unknown. According to Lusterka, he died in the USA. Tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, whom the hockey player met, now lives there.

Kaltsov was 42 years old.

Konstantin Koltsov played for "Youth", "Dinamo Minsk", "Severstal", "Ak Bars", "Spartak" and other Russian clubs. He played 144 games for the National Hockey League club "Pittsburgh Penguins" in 2002-2006 (7th place among Belarusian hockey players), scored 12 goals and made 26 assists."

He also represented his country on the international stage, suiting up for the Belarusian national team at the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics and at nine World Championships.

Ultimately, he appeared in a total of 144 NHL games, scoring 12 goals with 26 assists. He also played several seasons in the KHL, scoring 43 goals with 73 assists in 375 games.