Christian Atsu, a Ghanaian soccer star who played in the English Premier League, has been found dead under earthquake rubble in Turkey. He was 31.
Atsu, who played for the Turkish soccer team Hatayspor, had been missing since Feb. 6, when the massive earthquake ravaged his apartment building in country’s Hatay province.
Atsu’s agent confirmed the soccer player’s death on Saturday morning.
“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,” Nana Sechere wrote on Twitter. “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.”
Before joining Hatayspor last September, Atsu previously played for a handful of English Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Everton, and Newcastle United.
On Saturday, the official Twitter account for the Premier League released a statement regarding Atsu’s death.
“We are deeply saddened by the news Christian Atsu lost his life in the devastation of the earthquakes that have hit Turkey and Syria. Our thoughts and condolences are with Christian’s family and friends and everyone affected by this tragic event.”
