World-famous Ukrainian pianist Vadym Kholodenko is not a suspect in the death of his two children, and the stabbing of his wife, police in the Texas police have announced.
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In 2013, Kholodenko became the first victor of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth, which was held following the death of acclaimed American pianist Harvey Lavan “Van” Cliburn Jr.
Kholodenko had filed for divorce this past November, stating that the couple, married in April 2010, had ceased living together and husband and wife on or about August 15.
Police in the Fort Worth suburb of Benbrook said Kholodenko, 29, was not considered a suspected in the deaths of his daughters, Nika, 5, and Michela, 1, who were discovered in their bedrooms early on Thursday.
Police declined to say how Tsygankova sustained the knife wounds, which are not believed to be life-threatening. While he said investigators are looking into “all potential avenues”, he said they are not searching for any suspects right now.
Police had been called to the home twice in 2014, but won’t say why.
He was scheduled to have three shows with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra over the weekend, and a replacement had been named for him, the orchestra said.
“My main problem is I don’t see my family as much as I want to”, Kholodenko said in an interview posted to his website. But I would like to say that I feel the support of the Fort Worth community and all people who are sending me messages all over the world.
‘She is in recovery, but she’s being held on a mental health evaluation’.
Kholodenko’s wife, Sofya Tsygankova, was also inside the house. The pianist then called 911, police said.
“I have so many friends here and people are so kind to me, so I made the decision to stay”, Kholodenko told the Star-Telegram in an interview about the family’s move. Van Cliburn Foundation spokeswoman Maggie Estes issued an official statement saying in part, “We are heartbroken and offer our prayers to Vadym and all affected by this overwhelming tragedy”.
“Nobody could help us with this problem, and we had a very hard time with her”, Tsygankova told the newspaper.
Tsygankova was rushed to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, where she underwent surgery.
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Kholodenko asked those going to this weekend’s concerts to “think of the music”.
