An investigation is currently under way into the grisly death of former NHL player Valery Karpov, TASS reported Wednesday citing regional police.
In July, the 43-year-old was allegedly struck in the head with a bottle. He then tumbled down a staircase, fracturing his skull, according to TASS state news agency. Karpov went into a coma, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 10.
Investigators launched a criminal case on a charge of "grievous bodily harm" after Karpov's parents requested that authorities probe the circumstances surrounding their son's death, TASS reported. Under Russian law, the culprit could face up to eight years in prison upon conviction.
In the mid-1990s, the Chelyabinsk native played 76 games with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. He also represented Russia in five world championships and at the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics.
After concluding his playing career in 2006, Karpov served as the manager of Yekaterinburg's KHL club and most recently, as an assistant coach for Traktor Chelyabinsk's junior team.
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