Image via Scott Heppell/Reuters
Over two weeks after the Turkey earthquake, football player Christian Atsu is found dead inside the wreckage of his home, his agent reported.
The 31-year-old Ghanaian international played for Everton, Chelsea, and Newcastle in the Premier League.
After the earthquake on February 6 that led to the collapse of his house in Antakya, Hatay, Atsu had been missing.
“There are no words to describe our sadness,” tweeted his Turkish top-flight club Hatayspor.
“We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person.”
Following the earthquake, Hatayspor first stated that Atsu had been rescued “with injuries,” but a day later that statement was corrected.
His agent Nana Sechere, who has been in Hatay, confirmed the news on Saturday on Twitter, writing: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning.
“My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support.”
The Ghana Football Association said Atsu’s body was recovered on Saturday morning after “almost two weeks of emotional torture”.
There are estimates that over 40,000 people were killed by the earthquake and its aftershocks across southern Turkey and northern Syria.