Olympic Figure Skater Denis Ten Is Gone After Sustaining Multiple Stab Wounds

Denis Ten, a bronze medal-winning Olympic figure skater from Kazakhstan, died Thursday after sustaining multiple stab wounds to the upper thigh, multiple outlets reported.

A passerby called an ambulance after finding Ten unconscious on the street in Almaty, Kazakhstan. He underwent surgery and ultimately passed away at the hospital, as KazInform noted.

The knife attack followed a heated verbal argument with a pair of men who were attempting to steal mirrors from Ten’s car, the outlet also noted.

Ten, who was 25, succumbed to his injuries despite surgical interventions in the hospital, according to RT.

“This is truly shocking news,” commented International Skating Union President Jan Dijkema on the organization’s website. “Denis Ten was a very talented skater and a true ambassador for figure skating. He inspired many children and adults around the world. I send my sincerest sympathies to Denis’ family and friends in this difficult and tragic moment.”

The high-profile athlete was the first Kazakh skater to claim an Olympic medal.

Ten won a bronze medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

An outpouring of expressions of shock, sympathy, and sadness from those in the skating, Olympic, and other sports communities quickly followed as the news of the loss spread.

“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 heart is heavy this morning as I learned of the loss of Denis Ten. May we all lift his family & friends in prayer and remember the legacy he leaves in figure skating.

— Scott Hamilton (@ScottHamilton84) 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

Denis Ten’s life was brutally taken today. Denis was only 25, and had so many opportunities ahead of him. I’m deeply shaken and saddened by his death. I honor his much too short life alongside the rest of the skating community, his family, friends, and fans. #denisten #rip pic.twitter.com/JfonSDc7nr

— Sasha Cohen (@SashaCohenNYC) July 19, 2018

I’m shocked and incredibly saddened to wake up to the news of Denis Ten passing. I can’t believe it. He was one of the most talented and moving artists to ever take to the ice. We lost a beautiful soul both on and off the ice. Heartbreaking. What a huge loss. ?

— Tara Lipinski (@taralipinski) July 19, 2018

I am so shocked and saddened by the news of Denis Ten. He was one of the most talented skaters on the planet and such a kind, smart and thoughtful human being. I always felt honoured to share the ice with him. My heart goes to his family…?

— Eric Radford (@Rad85E) July 19, 2018

Absolutely SHOCKED and saddened to hear Olympic bronze medalist Denis Ten has died from stab wounds after a senseless robbery attempt in Almaty. No one more kind, well spoken or good hearted in figure skating. RIP, champ

— Nick McCarvel (@NickMcCarvel) July 19, 2018

Michele Blood is a Flemington, New Jersey-based freelance writer and a regular contributor to LifeZette.