Cameroon midfielder dies after collapsing on the pitch

Dinamo Bucharest and Cameroon midfielder Patrick Ekeng died of a suspected heart attack after collapsing on the pitch midway through a game.

The 26-year-old fell to the ground in the 70th minute during a game against Viitorul in the Romanian League. The match was being played at Dinamo’s home stadium and the score was level at 3-3, when in the 70 the minute, Patrick Ekeng fell to the ground, a mere 7 minutes after he was brought on. According to Fox Sports, local media at the time claimed that the cause of death might have been a heart attack.

Ekeng was immediately taken to the hospital after being taken off the pitch and many fans gathered outside the Emeregency Hospital. Players and staff of Dinamo were in tears as the events took place. Some staff members went to the hospital as well. He was declared dead two hours later.

Cristian Pandrea, from the Floreasca Emeregency Hospital, said that the doctors tried for to find signs of life and resuscitate the ex-Cordoba CF midfielder, but their efforts were in vain. He said the cause of death was not known.

He was a former player Cordoba CF, Le Mans in France and Lausanne in the Swiss League before making a move to Dinamo in 2015.
Former club Cordoba CF tweeted: “We have no words to express our sadness at the loss of Patrick Ekeng. We mourn your loss.”

No hay palabras para expresar nuestro dolor por la muerte de Patrick Ekeng. Lloramos tu pérdida. Nunca te olvidaremos amigo. DEP

— Córdoba CF (@cordobacfsad) May 6, 2016