Romanian police will start an official investigation into Cameroonian footballer Patrick Ekeng’s death after he collapsed during a league game on Friday.
Footballer Patrick Ekeng's death to be investigated by Romanian police
#Cameroonian footballer Patrick #Ekeng Ekeng dies while in action for his Romanian side Dinamo Bucharest pic.twitter.com/kguqLG33u4— africanews (@africanews) May 6, 2016
The 26-year-old Dinamo Bucharest and Cameroon midfielder was in the game for only seven minutes in the second half as a substitute when he fell in the 69th minute.
Local media reports indicate that the former Cordoba midfielder suffered a heart attack and was not given appropriate medical treatment on the pitch immediately after the incident.
Ekeng was taken by an ambulance to the nearby Floreasca Emergency Hospital where reports say doctors attempted to resuscitate him for more than one hour but were unsuccessful.
According to football journalist, Emanuel Rosu, hospital officials said “only cardiac massage was performed” on the footballer before he got to the hospital and police will start an official investigation into the tragic death.
The biggest one: why wasn't he given pro care on the pitch and in the ambulance? Official info from the hosp: only cardiac massage performed— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) May 7, 2016
This is the second similar death recorded in the team since October 2000 when captain Catalin Hildan collapsed and died during a friendly game.
It is also the second similar event for Cameroon when in 2003 midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe died after collapsing during a Confederations Cup match against Colombia in France.
Patrick Ekeng signed for Dinamo Bucharest in January scoring memorable goals for the team in the Romanian Cup league.
The Cameroonian has represented seven times for his country. He left behind a wife and a child.