Edward Sandler, president of Dynamo Vladivostok basketball club, died early Monday morning at the age of 45, following an accident while riding a jet ski in the Russian city of Vladivostok.
According to initial information, the jet ski Sandler was driving collided with a water barrier or rocks, which led to his death at the scene of the accident before the arrival of the ambulance crews, while the competent authorities began their investigations to determine the circumstances of the accident.
Sandler is one of the most prominent sports figures in the Primorsky region, having served as president and coach of Dynamo Vladivostok. He also previously led Spartak Primorye, Sakhalin and Vostok 65, achieving many accomplishments with them, including titles and advanced positions in the Russian Super League and the Russian Cup.
Despite his sporting successes, his career has been marred by a number of crises, most notably his conviction in 2016 in a fraud case related to the management of funds for a basketball club, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison, before being released later on parole.
After returning to the sports scene, he led the project to rebuild Dynamo Vladivostok club, and contributed to its rise to higher competitive levels.
In 2025, his name resurfaced after he was accused of assaulting a young football player, a case that was still under investigation.
His death sparked grief in Russian sports circles, with the management of Dynamo Vladivostok mourning their president, stressing that he will remain in the memory of everyone who knew him as a person who dedicated his life to serving basketball and developing sports in the Primorsky region.
