The sports world was shocked and saddened by the unexpected death of renowned American sports journalist Grant Wahl in Qatar while covering the World Cup 2022. He was 49 years old.
One witness disclosed that Wahl "collapsed" on the job on Friday while reporting the match between Argentina and the Netherlands, according to CNN.
The press area at the World Cup in Qatar was where Grant Wahl collapsed, as per a statement released Saturday by the tournament's organizers in Qatar. A representative for the Supreme Court Committee for Delivery and Legacy stated that the American sports journalist was taken to Hamad General Hospital.
The World Soccer Magazine contributor Keir Radnedge said on Saturday that he was attended at the stadium, where the World Cup 2022 was happening, for around "20-25 minutes" before being transported to the hospital.
Radnedge reported that Grant Wahl collapsed during the last minutes of overtime. Other members of the press suddenly began yelling for help as somebody fell. He also noted that it was feasible to make some room for Wahl since the chairs are mobile.
Moreover, Radnedge reported the medical crew arrived quite soon, and they provided treatment "as best they could."
As of present reporting, It is unclear what exactly happened to cause the death of Grant Wahl.
Sports Personalities Tribute to Grant Wahl
US Soccer expressed its sympathies on social media. "Grant made soccer his life's work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us," the sports organization tweeted.
US Soccer sent its sympathies to Wahl's wife, Celine Gounder, and his family, and commended his conviction in the capacity of the sport to benefit humanity.
LeBron James spoke highly of the late journalist who made his mark in both the soccer and basketball worlds after the Lakers' Friday night match, per Silverscreen and Roll.
The LA Lakers superstar offered condolences to the family of Grant Wahl and expressed his appreciation for the late sports journalist, who covered him in the early years of his basketball career, which he called a "pretty cool thing."
"He spent a lot of time in my hometown of Akron covering me over the course of time before that cover story came out. And I've always kind of watched from a distance," LeBron James said, according to Dave McMenamin ESPN.
You had a huge impact on me and my family and I’m so appreciative of you. A great person and journalist. Rest In Paradise Grant Wahl. 🙏🏾🤎👑 https://t.co/rvFDGEA9fz
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 10, 2022
Read also: Brittney Griner: Where Is the WNBA Star Now After Shocking Prisoner Swap with Viktor Bout?
Aside from LeBron James, tennis legend Billie Jean King expressed her sadness at the news of the author's departure on Twitter and praised his work outside the realm of sports.
E! News reported that Billie Jean King praised Grant Wahl a great sports writer and a strong supporter of the LGBTQ community and women's soccer. "He used his platform to elevate those whose stories needed telling. Prayers for his family," the tennis legend posted on Twitter.
Whal's Wife Says Thanks for the Support
On Twitter, Gounder expressed gratitude for the support of friends who have reached out. "I'm in complete shock," said Gounder, a former member of the COVID-19 advisory group for the Joe Biden administration, and a medical journalist specializing in communicable diseases and international health.
I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl's soccer family & of so many friends who've reached out tonight.
— Céline Gounder, MD, ScM, FIDSA 🇺🇦 (@celinegounder) December 10, 2022
I'm in complete shock. https://t.co/OB3IzOxGlE
The US State Department closely communicated with Wahl's family, according to its spokesperson Ned Price. World Cup 2022 officials said that they cooperating with the US embassy to ensure the procedure of repatriating Grant Wahl remains in line with his family's wishes.
