Tragic news coming from the World Cup.
Grant Wahl, an esteemed American sports journalist best known for his soccer reporting, died at the age of 49 early Saturday in Qatar. Wahl reportedly suffered a heart attack while in the press box of Lusail Stadium during the Argentina-Netherlands quarterfinal match, CBS News reports.
Wahl, who was covering his eighth World Cup, wrote on his personal Substack about a recent medical incident he experienced in Qatar.
"My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress and lots of work can do that to you. What had been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe on the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort," Wahl wrote on Dec. 5.
U.S. soccer official account also released a statement following the passing of Wahl:
"The entire U.S. Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl. Fans of soccer and journalism of the highest quality knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game, and its major protagonists: Teams, players, coaches and the many personalities that make soccer unlike any sport. Here in the United States, Grant's passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game. As important, Grant's belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all. Grant made soccer his life's work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us. U.S. Soccer sends its sincerest condolences to Grant's wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, and all of his family members, friends and colleagues in the media. And we thank Grant for his tremendous dedication to and impact on our game in the United States. His writing and the stories he told will live on."
Wahl was just 49 years old.
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