Famous pianist's daughters found dead, wife stabbed

BENBROOK, Texas - The children of a well-known musician were found dead in their home. Their mother was stabbed, but survived.

Benbrook police found the 1-year-old and 5-year-old dead in their beds when they arrived on scene in the 6600 block of Waterwood Trail Thursday morning.

The girls were the daughters of world-renowned Ukranian pianist Vadym Kholodenko. David Babcock with the Benbrook Police Department said he’s the one who called 911 after going to the house to pick up the girls.

Kholodenkos estranged wife, 31-year-old Sofya Tsygankova, was also found with multiple stab wounds. She was taken to a nearby hospital.

She is now recovering, but will be held in the hospital for a mental health evaluation. Kholodenko is cooperating with police and is not a suspect, Babcock said.

Police said the girls were not stabbed and had no visible signs of trauma. A medical examiner will determine their exact cause of death.

They also have not named a suspect, but said they do not believe there is any immediate risk to the community.

The family was new to the neighborhood and apparently going through a divorce. Babcock said officers have responded to the location before, but would not elaborate on why.

“They were such a lovely young family and the children were happy, happy kids,” said Terri Messer, a neighbor. “It’s very sad, very sad. I can’t imagine. You always feel sad when children are involved like that.”

Kholodenko won the Van Cliburn Piano Competion three years ago and was scheduled to perform at a weekend concert with the Fort Worth Symphony at Bass Hall.