Emanuel Ortega, Argentinian Footballer, Dies at Age 21

Emanuel Ortega, the 21-year-old Argentinian footballer who suffered a fractured skull on May 4 while playing for San Martin de Burzaco against Juventud Unida, died on Thursday as a result of his injuries.

The Independent shared the news from Argentina news agency Clarin, which the club later confirmed via Facebook:

Ortega was involved in a shoulder-to-shoulder duel before crashing into a concrete wall that lined the pitch. Despite emergency surgery, the young footballer could not be saved.

The Argentinian Football Association has already announced all matches will be suspended in the wake of the news, as Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror shared:

ESPN FC's Sam Kelly was one of many who expressed his condolences:

After the incident, questions have arisen over the presence of the wall, as the Independent's Tom Sheen reported. And while it's not uncommon to see such strict security measures at Argentinian stadiums, this tragedy will hopefully lead to a thorough discussion and measures that ensure player safety—both from the fans and their environment.

Although he was playing for San Martin de Burzaco in the fifth tier of Argentinian football, Ortega was under contract with top-flight club Banfield. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and team-mates.