The sudden death of 34-year-old hockey player Fedor Malykhin has sent shockwaves through the sports community. Reports confirmed that he died on March 18, 2025, from a sudden cardiac arrest, leaving friends and fans mourning the loss of a well-respected athlete.
Malykhin’s career in professional hockey spanned numerous teams in the KHL, including notable appearances with 'Ak Bars', 'Avtomobilist', and 'Traktor'. Having ended his playing career just a few months ago in November 2023, he was beginning to embrace a new direction—pursuing legal education with aspirations to take on a sports management role in his hometown of Yekaterinburg.
Relatives grew increasingly concerned when Malykhin did not respond to phone calls or social media messages. His father, Mikhail, decided to check on his son. Tragically, he found Fedor unresponsive in his apartment, a shocking discovery that left the family devastated. As elusive as the cause of Malykhin's death may seem, established reports suggest cardiac arrest was involved but no illegal substances were present in his system.
His close friend, Danil Galimullin, recounted their last moments together, training just days before on March 13, sharing laughs and discussing dreams for the future. The pair, who had known each other since they were five, found joy not only in their shared passion for hockey but also in their camaraderie off the ice. "I am shocked... I received a message from Fedor's father; he had not been in touch and asked if I had seen him," Galimullin reflected, capturing the deep disbelief felt among friends and teammates.
Fedor's last public outing was on March 16, 2025, when he attended a match between 'Avtomobilist' and 'Sochi'. Between 4 PM and 7:20 PM that day, he consumed three 0.5-liter bottles of beer, but there was no evidence of heavy drinking or drug use. His last goodbye to Galimullin came after their game that evening, as they waved farewell, promising to meet again for training.
It was during the early afternoon of March 18 when Mikhail Malykhin, Fedor’s father, pried open the door to his son’s apartment only to discover him in a concerning position on the couch. While attempts were made to alert authorities, it was later confirmed that Fedor had passed hours earlier.
The investigation that followed revealed that Fedor Malykhin’s health had not been a point of concern; those who trained alongside him noted his vitality and strength. No illegal substances were detected in his system. "Fedor always played selflessly for the team," noted Romain Rotenberg, expressing his sentiments regarding the dedication Malykhin displayed throughout his career.
Following the tragedy, the KHL community has rallied around Malykhin’s family, with many expressing their sorrow online. A funeral service is scheduled for March 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Ascension Church in Yekaterinburg, and a memorial lunch will follow the mourning ceremony within the same day. Plans for a tribute at upcoming games and a charitable initiative to honor Malykhin's legacy were also discussed among team officials.
Malykhin’s journey in the sport saw him participate in 548 KHL matches, scoring a total of 220 points. His defining moment was winning the Gagarin Cup in 2018 as part of the 'Ak Bars' team, enhancing his reputation as one of the league’s formidable players. His death ushers in a wave of remembrance for his many contributions on the ice and his ambition off it.
The loss of Fedor Malykhin is a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of life, even for those who appear invincible on the ice. As investigations continue to shed light on the events leading to his untimely passing, the impact of his legacy remains. The hockey world mourns a player who brought spirit and determination to every game, all while fostering friendship and camaraderie beyond the rink.
