A man has confessed to killing Kazakh Olympic figure skater Denis Ten, who was stabbed to death Thursday at the age of 25, according to police. The two suspects in the case have been detained.
Nuraly Kiyasov “confessed his guilt in the presence of an attorney” while being questioned over the death of Ten, according to The Associated Press. Further details of what Kiyasov said were not revealed, but prosecutors are treating Ten’s death as murder. Police have also detained 23-year-old Arman Kudaibergenov.
Ten was stabbed during an attempted robbery when two men tried to steal his car mirrors in the country’s largest city, Almaty. He was taken to a hospital, but died of massive blood loss from multiple wounds around 3 p.m. local time Thursday, Kazakh news agency Kazinform first reported and it was confirmed by the Kazakhstan Olympic Committee.
“Unfortunately, he is not with us anymore,” a government spokesman said.
The Kazakhstan Olympic Committee has confirmed that Olympic figure Skater Denis Ten, bronze medallist at Sochi 2014, has died. He was 25.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the figure skating community. pic.twitter.com/p65VRpvpOG
— Olympic Channel (@olympicchannel) July 19, 2018
“Denis Ten was an incredible figure skater, the legend of our sport, our pride,” Kazakhstan’s minister of culture and sport Arystanbek Mukhamediuly said, via BBC.com. “This is an unthinkable tragedy and irreparable loss.”
Ten won his country’s first-ever Olympic skating medal with a bronze at the Sochi Olympics in 2014 and he was twice a World Championship medalist.
The Olympic community across the world shared its condolences Thursday, including American figure skater Adam Rippon, who thanked Ten for being an inspiration.
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.
— Adam Rippon (@Adaripp) July 19, 2018
“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
— Olympics (@Olympics) July 19, 2018
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
— ISU Figure Skating (@ISU_Figure) July 19, 2018
I remember watching Denis at 2014 Sochi Olympics. He was my first idol. The few times I was got to share the ice with him, I saw and felt the power he exuded. He inspired many skaters, and his legacy will live on in future generations to come. Rest In Peace Denis Ten. #denisten pic.twitter.com/Wm4LjRE8D3
— Camden Pulkinen (@CamdenPulk) July 19, 2018
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
— Johnny Weir (@JohnnyGWeir) July 19, 2018
Absolutely SHOCKED and saddened to hear Olympic bronze medalist Denis Ten has died from stab wounds after a senseless robbery attempt in Almaty. No one more kind, well spoken or good hearted in figure skating. RIP, champ
— Nick McCarvel (@NickMcCarvel) July 19, 2018
