Alexei Cherepanov, who died after losing consciousness during a Russian Superleague game two months ago, had reportedly been taking banned substances. The investigative unit of the Prosecutor-General's office also said on its web site that Cherepanov was suffering from heart problems that should have ruled him out of competing in professional sports. A chemical analysis of his blood by forensic experts also showed he had taken banned performance-enhancing drugs for several months before his death.