On July 19, the figure skating world was shocked by the news of Olympic medalist Denis Ten's death.
Ten, who was just 25 years old, was in his hometown of Almaty, Kazakhstan when two men approached his vehicle, trying to steal his car mirrors. The figure skater was stabbed in the thigh and rushed to the hospital. Sadly, three hours later, Ten succumbed to his injuries.
Ten was a two-time World Championship medalist for Kazakhstan and also won the bronze medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics for men's singles figure skating.
"Denis Ten was an incredible figure skater, the legend of our sport, our pride," said Kazakhstan's minister of culture and sport, Arystanbek Mukhamediuly. "This is an unthinkable tragedy and irreparable loss."
Ten's death was a heavy blow to the figure skating world, and it's clear that he impacted people around the globe, not just in his home country. There was an outpouring of support from those in the figure skating community.
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
"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
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
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.
— Mirai Nagasu (@mirai_nagasu) July 19, 2018
With the loss of Denis Ten the skating world lost one of our future leaders. Having recently worked with him, I was in awe of his vision and love for the world. He had infinite resources to offer and so willing to share. 💔
— Kurt Browning (@KurtBrowning) July 19, 2018
So sad to hear of Denis Ten's tragic passing. He was as kind as he was talented. It was an honour to share the ice with him. You will be greatly missed, Denis.
— Scott Moir (@ScottMoir) July 19, 2018
I feel so honored and grateful to have shared the ice with @Tenis_Den. One of the most beautiful skaters to have graced our sport. My thoughts are with his family during this unimaginable time. I feel so lucky to have made memories with Denis that I will cherish forever...
— Patrick Chan (@Pchiddy) July 19, 2018
Truly devastated. Seeing news reports on @Tenis_Den this morning... he was an inspiration, incredible athlete and friend. Thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones.
— Nate Bartholomay (@NateBartholomay) July 19, 2018
Rest in peace ðŸ™ðŸ»â¤ï¸ pic.twitter.com/a01vndbCWE
— Javier Fernandez (@javierfernandez) 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
Ten leaves behind his parents, Oksana and Yuri, and his sister Alexei.
Rest in peace, Denis. You were taken too soon.
[source: BBC]
