Summary:
- Local media have reported that the body of former Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu, has been found in the rubble of a high-rise luxury block that collapsed during a 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria on February 6.
- Over 43,000 people were killed in both countries by the quake.
- Atsu, who was 31 years old, had been staying in the Ronesans Residence in Antakya city, Hatay province, at the time of the earthquake.
- The midfielder had spent four seasons with Chelsea before joining Newcastle in 2017.
- The contractor responsible for the collapsed building was arrested by Turkish police at Istanbul airport while attempting to leave the country for Montenegro.
Tragic news hit the football community today as former Ghana international Christian Atsu was confirmed dead by his manager, Murat Uzunmehmet. Atsu, who was 31 years old, was caught up in a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023, killing over 43,000 people in both countries.
Initially, there were reports that Atsu had been rescued a day after the earthquake, but these turned out to be false. His manager, Uzunmehmet, confirmed that Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble in the Turkish southern province of Hatay. Search and rescue workers discovered Atsu’s body where he was staying at Ronesans Residence, a block of high-rise luxury flats that toppled over in Antakya city in Hatay.
Atsu was a talented midfielder who spent four seasons at Chelsea before a permanent transfer to Newcastle in 2017. He signed with Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor in September 2022. Atsu’s sudden and tragic death has left the football community in shock and mourning.
The earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria was one of the most devastating in recent years, and the death toll continues to rise. Atsu’s death is a stark reminder of the human toll of natural disasters and the importance of disaster preparedness and response.
In the wake of Atsu’s death, many have taken to social media to pay tribute to the talented footballer. Fans, fellow players, and football organizations have expressed their condolences to Atsu’s family and friends.
Meanwhile, Turkish police have arrested the building contractor responsible for the Ronesans Residence at Istanbul airport last week as he appeared to be heading to Montenegro. The arrest has sparked renewed calls for greater accountability and oversight in the construction industry to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
