Young hockey player succumbs to injuries suffered during the offseason

At 21 years of age, Russian hockey player Andrei Boltov has his whole life ahead of him. While he wasn't playing at the highest levels, Boltov had carved himself out a role with MHK Lipetsk of the NMHL, Russia's second highest level of Junior Hockey. Unfortunately, Boltov passed away this week in hospital after suffering a spinal injury back in August.

For weeks, his family did not reveal what had happened, saying only that Boltov was bedridden and would most likely never play hockey again. His mother is now speaking out.

"The tragedy took place this year, at the end of August, on Lake Smolino," said his mother.

"Andrei dived into the water and hit his head hard on a stone. The doctors immediately made a terrible diagnosis - a compression fracture of the fifth cervical vertebra. This is a very serious injury. There weren't many chances that he would get back on his feet and survive."

His team started a fundraiser for his medical expenses in September and, by many accounts, he had started showing signs of improvement. That came to a sad, grinding halt when he contracted pneumonia. According to his mother, his body just wasn't strong enough to fight off the illness.

"The doctors fought for his life and health for more than two months. I am grateful to them, they did everything they could."

Our sincere condolences to Boltov's family and friends.

Source: Sport24.ru

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