Denis Ten

[Charlotte 71]

I'm almost reluctant to admit this, but when I first read about Denis on this thread this morning, I originally thought I read that he was in CA when it happened (maybe I read Alameda instead of Almaty, who knows - I was in shock), but I initially has such a sense of dread that something terrible had happened to Denis "on our watch" (this was before it was confirmed he had passed.) - And it seemed almost too familiar, too predictable, and I felt a sense of what a dangerous place our country has become. And then, I really hate saying this too, but when I realized, no, it happened in Kazakhstan, I almost felt relief, like at least it wasn't here. Poor, poor boy and his family and country. I know we all feel personally bereaved after rooting for him, watching so many ups and downs, so many moments of elation and disappointment, and for his life to end this way is unbearable.

 

[NoNameFace]

I think that skating-wise the strongest memory of him in me will live through 2015 4CC programs, but also his presence there, how impactful it was to witness even from dodgy stream view, watched in the middle of the night. These are performances I come back quite frequently to because of him, how he filled the music, space, people's view. He represented in them both lyrical and dynamic side of his nature as an artist who felt music so beautifully, always posing some image with emotion to me. I will forever smile over him lying on the ice after FS, I want to remember him that way.

But my favourite memory in general has to be a simple presence of Denis, season after season. Him challenging himself time after time, one injury or problem after another. Seeing his assignments for new season gave me hope, some kind of promise to look forward to. Seeing him skating, being so passionate and active as an ambasador of him country gave me steadiness, feeling of some purpose put out there to live up skating in smaller countries through its heroes. His presence, with better or worse results, made me feel safe and content with seeing all these skaters again. And now it is the same as making peace with skaters retiring, but so much worse and final.

 

[vorravorra]

The fact that this article exist is sad... but I wanted to know if police in Kazajstan is effective in catching the criminals... it´s tragic what happened, but it would be unthinkable that the crime would go with out punishment...

Also, for the people that know the area, is it a not popular area? I saw a tweet that say the attack could have happened about noon and that Denis arrive to the hospital until 15:23pm? Almost 3 hours later?! I mean sorry about this type of question, I just want to understand, maybe... how this can to happened

I think the first news said "at lunchtime" which could be later than noon.

 

[danse]

Maybe I've just been jaded by life so often in the past, very few things surprise me but this one left me shook and teary-eyed.
I gasped at my computer this morning when I saw the news.
Deep sadness in my heart and condolences to the whole figure skating community and to his family as well. Too young, too soon, too senseless. :sad46:

 

[BillNeal]

PJ Kwong's article including words from Denis' choreographer Lori Nichol: Denis Ten's death leaves gaping hole in figure skating community

Above all, Denis was one of the most genuine human beings I've ever met.

That's what made Thursday's news of Denis' death even more tragic.

Gracious in victory and defeat, Denis always made time for a video, a chat or a picture backstage at events. His candour in interviews allowed me (and the fans) to get a glimpse of the man, his relationship to skating and his special collaboration with long-time friend and choreographer Lori Nichol.

"He was to have arrived in Toronto next week to choreograph a short program. I was so looking forward to Denis' genius on the ice and his infectious laughter, and our deep conversations," said a devastated Nichol.

"I can't believe that no one will ever have that brilliant light again. We must now do everything we can to celebrate everything he did for skating, his family, his country and anyone blessed enough to have known him. It's an unimaginable loss to his family, skating and the world. I don't even know how to express my heartache for his family and his mother Oksana and for Denis' coach Frank Carroll."

 

[acapenci]

I am heartbroken and in shock. When i first saw this i said no... this must be fake... but now i am consumed with grief. The best people die too soon

 

[Eeyora]

I’m still in disbelief.

 

[Fool]

I don't have the words. RIP Denis, you did so well and are already missed. Too soon.

 

[Tally]

Here is a beautiful video tribute to Denis:

https://youtu.be/gG6fomiUwy0

WARNING: It's very emotional

 

[Paihia]

I just came home. Words fail me

RIP Denis

 

[yyyskate]

“Gracious in victory and defeat, Denis always made time for a video, a chat or a picture backstage at events. His candour in interviews allowed me (and the fans) to get a glimpse of the man,”

 

[visaliakid]

Message to ISU on the Murder of Denis Ten

The Nation of Kazakhstan and all the Skating Nations who are members of the International Skating Union are in shock and deep mourning this day following the senseless Murder of that nation’s first Olympic Medalist and great figure skater.

Blazing Blades sends the most heartfelt condolences to the Nation of Kazakhstan and the entire skating world for this tragic loss.

I ask and recommend to all ISU Member Officials that they urge the ISU Leadership to offer and work with Kazakhstan’s Skating Federation to put together a Spectacular Tribute in Denis Ten’s honor and to invite all the great skaters of the world to take part in a world wide webcast (free of charge) for all viewers wishing to share in such an honoring. This young man, a great leader of his country’s figure skating movement deserves no less. Please make this happen!

Respectfully,
Pete Murray, Blazing Blades founder and editor.

 

[nguyhm]

I will do this when I come to Cup of Russia this year.

I'm heartbroken and crying more and more as I read on.
RIP Denis, such a beautiful skater
My condolences to his family, friends and fans - anyone whose lives he has touched (mine included)
In regards to Cup of Russia, I hope ISU won't fill his spot so he will always live on - on ice and in our hearts

 

[Yatagarasu]

I was away for a few days on a trip and just back today to get a text from a friend to tell me what happened and I just couldn't believe it. I thought it was not real. I still cannot comprehend it hours later. I suppose the utter, sheer, horrific senselessness of the entire situation in particular is what is making it so difficult to grasp. At 25, so many big and little hopes, dreams, plans and just gone. Over a car mirror. If only he hadn't gone out at that moment, if only he turned around, if only these were even remotely decent human beings. If, if, if, all pointless, and devastating. Tragic for his family and friends but more so, tragic for him.



Vale Denis.

 

[rikaquegira]

I still haven't managed to go on with the rest of my day without thinking about Denis Ten. Every time a celebrity dies or something like that, I see people posting things like "my thoughts are with his family" and I'm like "really? how come??". But I understand now. I am sincerely heartbroken. I feel so much for his family... We, figure skating fans, lost a great athlete, his family loss is such a hurtful one... to lose someone like that, out of the blue, in such a coward and unfair manner. This is a tragedy and a travesty. We can only hope the police will bring some justice to his family. It will not bring Denis back or take away this pain but these are dangerous individuals who could take another innocent life.
Denis' inspiring work on the ice and beautiful soul will live on. May he rest in peace.

 

[NymphyNymphy]

Please!! Someone tell me this is some kind of sick joke. I am shaking right. We have had skaters die from disease, plane crashes, and overdoses. But to have this young talented skater killed in such a grusome way is unbearable. I am completely heartbroken.

 

[acapenci]

You did well, denis. Just know you were loved. You were enough.

 

[hippomoomin]

I have no words to say. Life is so random:sad4:

 

[narcissa]

I'm so shocked and sad. It feels unreal.

Rest in peace, Denis. I hope you were able to feel how much you were loved.

 

[AshWagsFan]

Such a tragedy. Denis will be missed by everyone, he left a lasting impact on the skating world. My Prayers and hopes go out to his family and close friends.