Patrick Ekeng, Dinamo Bucharest Midfielder, Dies at Age 26

Matt JonesFeatured ColumnistMay 6, 2016

CORDOBA, SPAIN - AUGUST 06: Patrick Ekeng (2ndR) competes for the ball with Fatah (L) of Raja de Casablanca ahead his teammate Federico Cartabia (L) during the pre season friendly match between Cordoba CF and Raja de Casablanca at El Arcangel stadium on August 6, 2014 in Cordoba, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Dinamo Bucharest midfielder Patrick Ekeng has died in the hospital at age 26 after collapsing on the field on Friday.

Confirmation of the Cameroonian’s death came via a hospital spokesperson and the club doctor, per Romanian football journalist Emanuel Rosu:

Emanuel Roşu @Emishor
News was confirmed by former players and Dinamo sources. Patrick Ekeng was pronounced dead. Shocking.

Local media (h/t the Guardian) have stated that Ekeng suffered a heart attack.

As reported by Rosu, Ekeng collapsed seven minutes after being introduced into the game against FC Viitorul as a substitute. He was transported to a hospital located close to the Stadionul Dinamo in an ambulance.

Emanuel Roşu @Emishor
Nobody helped Ekeng with cardiac massage at the stadium, the hospital's spokesperson said.

Emanuel Roşu @Emishor
Dinamo's doctor: 'there were moments when Ekeng was coming back. We got to the hospital in 1min'

Emanuel Roşu @Emishor
Dinamo's doctor: 'the player received cardiac massage in the ambulance'

Rosu provided more information on the circumstances surrounding the footballer's death:

Emanuel Roşu @Emishor
Ekeng received CPR for more than one and a half hours.

Emanuel Roşu @Emishor
First medical report is shocking. The hospital's spokesperson says NO pro first aid was given to Ekeng at the stadium. Shocking. Shocking.

Rosu also provided a photo of a tribute to Ekeng:

Emanuel Roşu @Emishor
Happening now on Dinamo's ground. https://t.co/sf4DObUZ3v

Ekeng signed for Dinamo in January and had impressed in his appearances for the club. He scored this stunning goal against the team’s biggest rivals, Steaua, last month in the semi-final of the Romanian Cup:

The defensive midfielder represented his country on seven occasions. Earlier in his club career, he had spells with Spanish side Cordoba and Swiss outfit Lausanne-Sport.

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Brazilian football legend Cafu posted his condolences on social media:

Cafu. @officialcafu
Sad news we have lost one of our football family. Think of his family and friends. RIP Ekeng.

As reported by Rosu, Ekeng is survived by his wife and was scheduled to travel to France on Wednesday.