The London Knights are mourning one of their own after the sudden passing of Abakar Kazbekov.
He was only 18 years old.A statement was issued by the Ontario Hockey League and London Knights on Saturday morning, announcing the player had passed away:
Statement from the London Knights and the Ontario Hockey League on the sudden passing of Abakar Kazbekov. pic.twitter.com/JgpYOZq3fk
— London Knights (@LondonKnights) December 17, 2022
"Abakar has been a valued member of the team since 2021. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates," they said.
Later that day, the team paid tribute to the late player by changing its Twitter profile picture to match Kazbekov's jersey, #15:https://twitter.com/LondonKnights/status/1604216460074778625
In response to their tragic loss, the Knights postponed their Saturday home game against the Flint Firebirds. The OHL also called off Saturday night's game between the Peterborough Petes and Kingston Frontenacs “out of sensitivity” to those who knew Kazbekov.
Kazbekov was born in Russia in 2004. The 6’ 1”centre was the Knight's first-round pick in the 2021 under-18 draft. He previously played for the Vaughn Kings under-16 AAA team.The young player's death rocked the hockey community and the city of London.
David Branch, the OHL Commissioner, called it a "devastating loss."
The Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London Karen Vecchio offered her condolences to Kazbekov's family and friends, saying, "Thinking of you all."
The London Lightning basketball team also paid tribute to the local athlete, offering words of support for the teammates he left behind.
According to multiple media reports, Kazbekov died Saturday morning after falling from a downtown apartment building.
London police are investigating the incident, but foul play is not suspected.
With files by Rebecca Chouinard
