Olympic figure skater medalist stabbed to death in Kazahkhstan aged 25

Denis Ten has been stabbed to death aged 25 [Photo: Courtesy]

Olympic figure skater Denis Ten has been stabbed to death aged 25.

Ten was rushed to hospital on Thursday after he was found unconscious in the middle of a street in Almaty, Kazahkhstan, by members of the public.

Denis Ten has been stabbed to death aged 25 [Photo: Courtesy]

He had been stabbed in the thigh by two men attempting to steal his car wing mirrors, after a verbal argument turned violent.

He died three hours later, despite desperate resuscitation attempts by doctors, having lost three litres of blood.

"Unfortunately, he is not with us anymore," a Kazakhstan government spokesman said.

Denis Ten has been stabbed to death aged 25 [Photo: Courtesy]

“Denis Yurevich Ten spotted two unknown men who tried to steal mirrors from his car," Kazakh police said.

"In a brawl which took place at the scene Ten was wounded with a knife. The incident is being investigated by police, all members of Almaty’s department of internal affairs are involved in the operation aimed at identifying and detaining the criminals.”

"Denis Ten was an incredible figure skater, the legend of our sport, our pride," said Kazakhstan's minister of culture and sport, Arystanbek Mukhamediuly.

"This is an unthinkable tragedy and irreparable loss."

Denis Ten has been stabbed to death aged 25 [Photo: Courtesy]

The Kazakh athlete won a bronze medal in the Sochi games in 2014, along with a silver and bronze in the World Championships.

Ten also took part in the PyeongChang Games earlier this year, where he finished 27th.

“Denis Ten was a great athlete and a great ambassador for his sport. A warm personality and a charming man. Such a tragedy to lose him at such a young age.” said IOC President Thomas Bach.

The International Skating Union paid tribute to Ten. They said: “The ISU is deeply saddened by the news from media in Kazakhstan announcing the passing of Figure Skater Denis Ten. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Denis' family, friends and fans across the world.”

Denis Ten has been stabbed to death aged 25 [Photo: Courtesy]

Ten previously spoke at what the Olympic medal meant to him: “It was a great surprise. It was a first Olympic figure skating medal for my country,” he said.

“I’m grateful to people, they still congratulate me. Mostly I was happy for my parents and for my coaches who were so supportive despite all the challenges we had to overcome.”