Let’s take a look at “What happened to Vladimir Konstantinov Red Wings?” Due to his impressively aggressive performance on National Hockey League (NHL) fields, Vladimir Konstantinov was a household name in the 1990s.
He is still well-liked by NHL fans and is regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Among the media and fans, Vladimir is referred to as “Vladinator,” “Vlad the Impaler,” and “The Red Shark,” among other nicknames.
The renowned defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings is well known for inspiring his group to victory in the 1997 Stanley Cup, which also turned out to be his final campaign due to a tragic limousine accident.
What happened to Vladimir Konstantinov Red Wings?
Vladimir Konstantinov was at the peak of his ice hockey career when he got into the limousine crash. The accident happened six days after the historic win of the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup after 42 years.
Konstantinov, fellow Russian hockey legend Viacheslav Fetisov and the Red Wings’ team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov were out for a golf day on June 13, 1997, to celebrate the Wings’ Stanley Cup win.
The trio had called for a limo to return home that night, only to end up in a disastrous road accident. The limo’s driver, Richard Gnida, held a suspended license for drunk driving at that time.
On that unfateful night, the driver lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree on the median of Woodward Avenue in Birmingham, Michigan.
The accident resulted in Vladimir retiring from his fire-up career and taking help from caretakers even to this day.
Update On The Vladinator Vladimir Konstantinov Accident and Injury
Vladimir Konstantinov spent several weeks in a coma after the limousine crash, devastating news to his fanbase, per The Washington Post.
He had suffered from severe head injuries and paralysis, while he has made constant progress in his health throughout these years.
Meanwhile, the other passenger on the limo, Fetisov, suffered from relatively minor injuries and was able to return to his games the following season.
However, the other person, Mnatsakanov, sustained significant head injuries and spent some time in a coma. Reports suggest that he has had a considerably more difficult recovery than Vladimir.
The Vladinator mainly suffered injuries to his brain, especially in part to the left frontal lobe. Thus, he could not process and connect to idealistic feelings from before.
Where Is Vladimir Konstantinov Now?
Vladimir Konstantinov now lives in a condo in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Detriot Free Press reports that a group of ladies’ caretakers look after him and provide him with 24-hour assistance.
The women cook his meals, feed him, bathe him and help him get dressed. Vladimir, too, is comfortable with the caregivers and communicates well with them.
The report suggests that Konstantinov lives a simple life today. He goes to rehab and spends time at Costco as he enjoys shopping, bowling, and playing Uno.
Vladimir Konstantinov Has A Wife Irina And Family
During his peak, Vladimir Konstantinov was once the face of Detriot Red Wings and the Soviet Union national ice hockey team.
Vlad the Impaler has a wife, Irina, who has been actively discussing his health conditions in the media. She has reported on Vlad’s health condition and progress all these years.
Irina resides in Florida with her daughter Anastasia while visiting Vladimir in Michigan regularly.
Both mother-daughter duos connect with the media and public on Vlad’s legacy and health.
The Red Shark Vladimir Konstantinov Daughter Anastasia Is Raising A Fundraiser For Him
The famed Red Shark Vladimir Konstantinov is now the sole and only beneficiary of The Vladimir Konstantinov Special Needs Trust.
The Go Fund Me fundraiser trust was started by Vlad’s daughter Anastasia hoping to collect funds and provide him with extra and supplemental care, comfort, support, maintenance, and education, including vocational, rehabilitation, or technical training.
The fundraiser also aims to provide Vlad with the best healthcare insurance and transportation besides governmental assistance.
More than $38,830 has been raised out of the $250,000 goal as of today. Most interestingly, many donors have been donating a fixed $16 to honor Vlad’s famous jersey number of 16.
His jersey #16 has not been officially retired by the Red Wings. However, out of respect for Konstantinov, no player has been given the number since.
