Kazakhstan Olympic medal-winning figure skater Denis Ten has been stabbed to death at the age of 25.
Kazakhstans figure skater Denis Ten. Photo: AFP
News agency Kazinform reported Mr Ten - who won bronze at Sochi 2014 - was stabbed in the thigh in Almaty on Thursday after two men tried to steal his car mirrors.
Mr Ten, a two-time World Championship medallist, was rushed to hospital but died three hours later of his injuries.
"Unfortunately, he is not with us anymore," a government spokesman said.
US figure skater Adam Rippon wrote on Twitter: "He was so kind to everyone and a huge inspiration to me and so many other people.
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, thank you for showing us how to be a champion. Your time with us was way too short."
February's Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang was Ten's third Games, having made his Olympic debut at Vancouver 2010.
He finished 27th at the Games in South Korea.
"His outstanding achievements glorified our country and helped popularize sport among youth," Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev said.
"Denis was not only a prominent athlete, whose talent was recognized and revered in many countries of the world, but also a man of marked individuality, a true patriot."
- BBC
