Figure-skater Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya, 20, jumps to death 4 months after retiring from sport due to injuries
Australian figure-skating champion Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya died of suicide at the age of 20. Ekaterina reportedly jumped from a window though the cause of death has not been revealed. The former Olympian died on Friday, July 17, in Moscow, Daily Mail reports. According to Izvestiu, local reports claimed that Ekaterina could have "committed suicide though the circumstances of the incident are being clarified". The skating champion had been born in Moscow, Russia but had got Australian citizenship in 2016.
The International Skating Union released a statement on its website on Saturday. ISU President Jan Dijkema had said, "The ISU is shocked by the news of Ekaterina's passing." "She was a talented pair skater and the Figure-Skating community will miss her. We offer our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and teammates and mourn this tragic loss," the statement continued.
According to BBC, in the year 2016, Ekaterina had teamed up with Harley Windsor of Australia with the two winning the 2017 world junior title. The ISU says, "They went on to make history as the first Australian skaters to win an ISU Championship title."
Windsor took to his Instagram to share a picture of the pair. He wrote, "Words can not describe how I feel right now, I am devastated and sick to my core about the sad and sudden passing of Katia."
"The amount we had achieved during our partnership is something I can never forget and will always hold close to my heart. This news is something you can never prepare for. Rest In Peace Katia," he continued.
In February, Ekaterina had retired from the sport after she had sustained many injuries. At the time, Windsor had written on his Instagram, "Due to health concerns, Katia and I are unable to continue."
"I want to take this opportunity to wish Katia all the best in the future and a quick recovery," he added.
Many people commented on Windsor's post and expressed their condolences in the comments section. One such user wrote, "So so sad. Very proud of the both of you and what you achieved for Australian skating. Take care of yourself Harley."
Another added, "Deeply, deeply sorry. You two have made history in your phenomenal skating. May your Higher Being be with you at this time." Another user shared, "I wasn’t expecting to see this! I can’t even begin to imagine what you and her family are going through right now. Rest In Peace Katia."
"I was so shocked this morning, when I heard about this. RIP Katia," revealed another upset user.
As per Daily Mail, chef de mission for the Australian team Ian Chesterman said that the news of Ekaterina's death was an incredible blow for all those who knew the skater.
Chesterman said, "It is enormously sad to lose Katia, who was a vibrant and talented person and an incredible athlete. She was quiet and humble in her manner but incredibly determined to be the best she could be."
"Life since the Games has not been easy for her and this is another timely reminder of just how fragile life is," Chesterman shared.