Wings’ Konstantinov Still In Coma Police Say Driver Was Not Under Influence Of Alcohol Or Drugs

Vladimir Konstantinov, a star defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings, and the team’s masseur remained in critical condition Tuesday as authorities investigated the limousine crash that injured the men.

Konstantinov, 30, and Sergei Mnatsakanov, 43, are in comas at William Beaumont Hospital, said spokeswoman Colette Stimmel.

The limousine accident Friday also injured Wings defenseman Viacheslav Fetisov, 39, who was in good condition Tuesday, Stimmel said. Fetisov could be released soon, she said.

The three men were returning from a golf outing six days after the Red Wings’ Stanley Cup championship when the limousine they were riding in crossed over two lanes, jumped a curb, careened off a pole and slammed into a tree in suburban Birmingham. Witnesses said the limousine brakes were never used.

Birmingham police said Monday the limousine’s driver, Richard Gnida, may have dozed off at the wheel. He was driving with a suspended license, according to the Secretary of State’s office.

The Detroit Free Press, quoting unidentified sources, reported Tuesday that Fetisov told friends and family the three limousine passengers noticed the driver appeared to fall asleep. The passengers then screamed to try to wake him, the Free Press said.

Police said they were hoping to talk soon with Gnida and Fetisov. Police did not immediately return telephone messages left Tuesday.

Gnida, who suffered minor injuries, will be charged for driving with a suspended license, authorities said. There may be other charges.

An investigation by the Michigan State Police has not turned up any mechanical problems with the limousine. Police say there’s no evidence alcohol or drugs played a role.

Gnida’s driver’s license had been revoked because of a bad driving history, according to the Secretary of State’s office.

Gnida was a driver for Gambino’s Limousine Service of Belleville.

Since 1994, he had been ticketed for driving under the influence and twice for speeding, according to state records.