Abakar Kazbekov, a forward for the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights, has died after he fell from an apartment building. He was aged 18.
“Abakar has been a valued member of the team since 2021,” Knights officials said. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates.”
No other details were provided in a joint statement by the league and the team. Kazbekov, who was from Russia, played in a 5-2 home victory over the Owen Sound Attack on Friday. The 6’ 1” was the Knights first pick in the under 18 draft in 2021.
The London Police Service (LPS) Major Crime Section is investigating after the body was found on the sidewalk Saturday morning.
“Around 8:20 a.m. members of the London Police Service were dispatched to attend the intersection of Dufferin Avenue and Talbot Street for a person that had reportedly fallen from the building,” said LPS Const. Travis Buckle.
He added, “Officers arrived on scene and located a person who was deceased.”
The Knights and OHL said London’s game Saturday night against the Flint Firebirds had been postponed.
