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25-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Arne Espeel died during the second half of his soccer game.
During the second half of the game, he saved a penalty kick but collapsed to the ground afterward.
Belgian goalkeeper Arne Espeel #DiedSuddendly (aged 25) just moments after saving a penalty for his team. pic.twitter.com/SKNdnFD1Ho
— R H E TT 🇮🇹 (@realrhett1) February 15, 2023
The medical staff treated him with a defibrillator, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Espeel played for Winkel Sport B in the second provincial division of West Brabant in Belgium.
The club representative said, “Winkel Sport is in very deep mourning by the sudden death of Arne Espeel. We wish family and friends of Arne our heartfelt condolences in this heavy loss. Football is an afterthought.”
Team manager Patrick Rotsaert said, “This is a disaster and a shock to everyone.”
“Arne had been with the club all his life and was very loved. He was a wonderfully sympathetic boy, always in a good mood and willing to help. This is really a heavy blow. First of all, for his family and also our entire club.”
This weekend, Arne Espeel (25) had just saved a penalty and then shortly after he collapsed and passed away. He died doing what he loved. Every day can be your last so try to enjoy life while you can. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/00RkDGbjJ6
— 𝙇𝙚ø𝙜𝙖𝙖𝙧𝙙 🇧🇪 (@afcthms) February 13, 2023
Espeel’s family and teammates joined about 1,000 mourners on a walk of silence in Sint-Eloois-Winkel.
More on this story via Fox News:
An autopsy was scheduled for Monday, but results have not been released, according to Reuters.
