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Cameroon Pro Midfielder Patrick Ekeng Dies After Collapsing During Match

Cameroon Pro Midfielder Patrick Ekeng Dies After Collapsing During Match

By Peter Andrew Hart | From HUFFPOST SPORT

Professional soccer player Patrick Ekeng died after collapsing during a home match in Bucharest on Friday, reportedly from a heart attack.

Ekeng, a 26-year-old midfielder for Dinamo Bucharest, wasn’t given first aid at the stadium, according to soccer reporter Emanuel Roşu, who cited a hospital spokesperson. Ekeng was given CPR during a two-minute ambulance ride to the hospital, but the vehicle didn’t have equipment that might have helped him, Romania’s Digisport reported.

Ekeng had been on the field for seven minutes when he collapsed in the 70th minute of a match against Viitorul Constanta. The game was being televised live in Romania. Local media reported he had been stricken with a heart attack.

It took 2 minutes, 47 seconds for Ekeng to be moved to ambulance. Once he reached Floreasca Emergency Hospital, Ekeng received CPR for more than 90 minutes before he was pronounced dead.

Fans and teammates could be seen crying as Ekeng was taken away from the stadium, and mourners gathered outside the hospital.

Club director Ionel Danciulescu said Ekeng didn’t seem to have any health problems before the game.

Ekeng joined Dinamo in 2015. He also played for Cameroon. Previously, he played for Spanish club Cordoba CF, Swiss club Lausanne, and French club Le Mans.

Just two weeks ago, Ekeng netted his first goal for Dinamo, against Steaua in the semi-final of the Romanian Cup.

Read more at HUFFPOST SPORT