South African Footballer Luyanda Ntshangase Dies Of Lightning Strike at Age 21

Luyanda Ntshangase has died in hospital after being struck by lightning during a football match back in March. The 21-year-old, who played for Maritzburg United FC, was left in an induced coma since he was hit by lightning during a friendly match on March 1.

Maritzburg United FC confirmed the player's death in a statement on Facebook.

Maritzburg chairman Farook Kadodia said in the statement: "We are extremely sad about the loss of Luyanda, an exciting young player with enormous potential. On behalf of Maritzburg United Football club, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Ntshangase family."

South African media (h/t BBC News) noted how Ntshangase was one of three players struck by lightning during the friendly in early March in KwaZulu-Natal, a province of South Africa. While the two other victims "were only slightly hurt," Ntshangase was left with burns to his chest.

As the BBC detailed, Ntshangase is the third Maritzburg player to die in tragic circumstances since 2016. Midfielders Mondli Cele and Mlondi Dlamini both died in separate car accidents.