Bucharest: Dinamo Bucharest player and Cameroon midfielder Patrick Ekeng died on Friday after collapsing on the field while playing a first division match in Bucharest, Romania.
The 26-year-old player fell to the ground in the 69th minute of the game against Viitorul, without any contact with another player. The shocking incident happened just seven minutes after he came as a substitute.
Ekeng was immediately taken to the nearby Floreasca Emergency Hospital, where dozens of fans gathered outside. Local media reported that he suffered a suspected heart attack and was pronounced dead in the hospital two hours later.
Players and staff could be seen crying as events unfolded. Some went with him to the hospital.
Dinamo Bucharest confirmed the news and said, "Dinamo lost tonight, forever, footballer Patrick Claude Ekeng Ekeng. On behalf of everyone at Dinamo, sincere condolences to the bereaved family. God rest his soul."
Expressing shock on Ekeng’s death, Club executive director Ionel Danciulescu said, "I can't believe it. It's a nightmare. For me, for the team and for all Dinamo supporters. It's too much."
Ekeng’s former club Cordoba took to Twitter to express their sorry on the demise of 26-year-old player.
"There are no words to express our grief at the death of Patrick Ekeng. Mourn your loss. Friend will never forget you. DEP"
Ekeng’s international teammate Stephane Mbia paid this tribute on Twitter.
Patrick has played for Spanish club Cordoba CF, Swiss club Lausanne, and French club Le Mans. He moved to Dinamo in 2015.
Ekeng is survived by a wife and daughter who are in Paris. Prosport.ro, an online sports publication reported he was due to fly to Paris after the Romanian Cup final on Tuesday between Dinamo and CFR Cluj.
Local media reported his wife will arrive in Romania on Saturday.
In October 2000, Dinamo captain Catalin Hildan collapsed and died during a friendly.
Cameroon midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe also died after collapsing on the pitch during a match against Columbia in 2003.
(With Inputs from AP)
