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Figure skater Denis Ten stabbed to death by thieves in Kazakhstan

Denis Ten, of Kazakhstan, performs his routine in the men's short program figure skating competition at the Iceberg Skating Palace during the 2014 Winter Olympics, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, in Sochi, Russia.

Credit: Paul Chiasson

Credit: Paul Chiasson

Denis Ten, of Kazakhstan, performs his routine in the men's short program figure skating competition at the Iceberg Skating Palace during the 2014 Winter Olympics, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, in Sochi, Russia.
By Juliakate E Culpepper
July 19, 2018

Denis Ten, one of Kazakhstan's most famous and decorated figure skaters, died Thursday after being stabbed to death by thieves in Almaty, Kazakhstan, ISU Figure Skating confirmed Thursday.

The 25-year-old former Olympian died from multiple stab wounds Thursday after thieves attempted to steal the mirrors off his car, according to a report by USA Today.

“The ISU is deeply saddened by the news from media in Kazakhstan announcing the passing of Figure Skater Denis Ten,” the ISU wrote on Twitter Thursday. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Denis' family, friends and fans across the world.”

Ten was the first ice skater from Kazakhstan to medal at the Olympics after earning the bronze in Sochi for Men’s singles competition in 2014. He also medaled in the World Figure Skating Championships in 2013 and 2015.

Ten underwent an emergency surgery after the attack in an attempt to save his life, according to Kazakh Minister of Culture and Sports Arystanbek Mukhamediuly and USA Today, but the surgery was unsuccessful.

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