London Knights player falls to death, LPS Major Crime Section investigating
A man fell to his death Saturday from a downtown London, Ont. apartment building.
The London Police Service (LPS) Major Crime Section is investigating after the body was found on the sidewalk Saturday morning.
“Around 8:20 a.m. members of the London Police Service were dispatched to attend the intersection of Dufferin Avenue and Talbot Street for a person that had reportedly fallen from the building,” said LPS Const. Travis Buckle.
He added, “Officers arrived on scene and located a person who was deceased.”
Hours later, CTV News London learned the deceased was London Knights forward Abakar Kazbekov.
The team and the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) later released a statement confirming the sudden passing of the 18-year old.
The London Police Service Major Crime Division is investigating the death of a man who fell from a downtown London, Ont. apartment building on Dec. 17, 2022. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
“Abakar has been a valued member of the team since 2021,” Knights officials said. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates.”
The Knights also announced the postponement of their game Saturday afternoon against the Flint Firebirds.
The 6’ 1” centre from Moscow, Russia was the Knights first pick in the under 18 draft in 2021.
Injuries limited him to just 21 games over two seasons, but he did play in Friday’s win over the Owen Sound Attack.
A London police cruiser is parked outside Budweiser Gardens on Dec. 17, 2022 after the sudden death of a London Knights player. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
A source who knew Kazbekov said he was a “great kid” and that his death was “totally unexpected.”
LPS have yet to identify the deceased, and said no foul play is suspected.
“The investigation is still in its early stages and it's been handed over to our Major Crime Section for further investigation,” said Buckle.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.