Michelle Kwan‘s husband of four years has filed for divorce from the iconic Olympic figure skater, PEOPLE confirms.

Clay Pell filed the divorce documents in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, a court spokeswoman tells PEOPLE.

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“It is with deep regret that I share that Michelle and my marriage is coming to an end,” Pell said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. “This is a sad and difficult turn of events for our family. I love Michelle, and wish her the very best as her life takes her in a new direction.”

Pell continued, “I want to thank friends and family who have given wisdom and support, and I ask for privacy during this challenging time.”

Pell, 35, cited irreconcilable differences as the cause of the split, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.

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Kwan, 36, and Pell – a former U.S. Coast Guard member, White House staffer and one-time candidate for governor of Rhode Island – wed in January 2013 in Providence. The pair first met in April 2011, and were engaged in the fall of the following year.