Turkey’s second division goalkeeper Ahmet Eyüp Türkaslan has died in the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
This was announced by the first division relegated Yeni Malatyaspor on Tuesday. “Rest in peace. We will never forget you, you great person,” wrote the club on social networks.
Türkaslan was only 28 years old. According to Turkish media, the goalkeeper died in the rubble of a collapsed house in the city of Kahramanmaras. His rescued wife had previously asked for help in the search in a video.
The Turkish association TFF also expressed its sadness. “For two days we have been praying that he and all other affected citizens will be found alive and well. Unfortunately, we were again devastated by this sad news. May God have mercy on Ahmet Eyup Türkaslan,” the association said.
According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 23 million people could be affected by the severe earthquakes. Numerous countries, including Germany, have already promised to send emergency services and provide aid. According to the current status, more than 5,000 people died in the earthquake on Monday night.