Patrick Ekeng dead at 26: Tragedy as footballer dies after collapsing on pitch
CAMEROON international footballer Patrick Ekeng has died after collapsing on the pitch in an apparent heart attack.
Fans of the Romanian club gathered outside the hospital to share their grief
The 26-year-old midfielder fell to the ground without coming into contact with other players in the 70th minute of the game and just seven minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Ekeng, who joined Dinamo Bucharest in January, was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead two hours after his collapse.
Dinamo team doctor Liviu Batineanu later revealed that despite fighting for the young player’s life there was nothing they could do.
He said: "Resuscitation attempts were made for an hour and half without success.”
Cameroonian international Patrick Ekeng collapses on the pitch
Fans of the Romanian club gathered outside the hospital late into the night to share the grief of Ekeng’s friends, family and teammates.
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,"
Fellow Dinamo player Catalin Haldan died in October 2006 after suffering a cardiac arrest while playing a friendly.
Ekeng joined Dinamo Bucharest in January
Doctors later revealed there was nothing they could do after hours of resuscitation
It's as if we are cursed
Mr Danciulescu added: ”It's as if we are cursed."
Before arriving in Romania, Ekeng played for several European clubs including French side Le Mans and Spanish club Cordoba, which tweeted: "There are no words to express our sorrow over the death of Patrick Ekeng.
“We mourn your loss. We will never forget you friend. RIP.”
Meanwhile the Bucharest club wrote on Facebook: "We will love you forever, Patrick Ekeng!”
The 26-year-old made his debut for Cameroon in January 2015
It added that he had "gone to a better world wearing the white-red shirt to join Catalin Haldan and other players who have written the history" of the club.
Ekeng made his debut for Cameroon in January 2015 and was named in the squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations where Cameroon was eliminated in the group stage.
Cameroon international midfielder and captain Stephane Mbia tweeted his shock.
He said: ”Our Cameroon football family has lost a brother. I cannot believe this. Condolences to his family. RIP Patrick Ekeng."