A teenager died during a match organized ten days ago near the town of Maués, in northern Brazil. The 16-year-old footballer collapsed on the field after receiving a penalty in the chest. He could not be revived after a long journey to the hospital.
The sad news caused a wave of emotion across Brazil. And even beyond. Edson Lopes Gama, a 16-year-old footballer, died during a local championship match near the town of Maués in the northern state of Amazonas. The tragedy took place on the night of January 5 to 6, around 1 a.m. The teenager, who played as a goalkeeper, collapsed on the pitch after receiving a penalty in the chest, according to several local media, including CNN.
A video of the incident was broadcast on the networks. Edson Lopes Gama appears barefoot in front of his goal line, wearing light shorts and a blue jersey. When trying to stop the strike, he spreads his arms and legs at the same time, before falling backwards and curling up on himself. The ball hit him between his sternum and his diaphragm. He apparently lost consciousness in the process. Witnesses present at the scene explain that they tried to resuscitate him, in vain.
More than eleven hours to reach the hospital
According to Brazilian media, its transport to the town of Maués was complicated by the drying up of the region’s rivers. He did not arrive at the hospital until 12:15 p.m., more than eleven hours after being shot in the torso. He no longer had vital signs.
His sister Elisia said Edson had complained of chest pains before the meeting. Doctors told his loved ones that the shocks he suffered during previous football tournaments could have aggravated an existing health problem or caused a fatal injury. In any case, the young man had no known heart problems.
“A young man who devoted his life to the ball”
“Every time there were these kinds of tournaments, he was there,” his sister testified in the press. “He never missed a football game. He was always dedicated to the game. He was a young man who dedicated his life to the ball and the ball won.” His brother Eliomar paid tribute to him in a message posted on the networks: “Today, you moved all of Brazil and I never imagined that it could happen like that. A tournament player, a boy who ‘had no sadness, always happy My brother, we are sorry to see you go, but you left doing what you loved the most, which was playing football.’
The young footballer’s mother appeared particularly devastated by the loss of her son. “She was very close to him. They were always together. He was a very affectionate and loving boy,” said his sister Elisia.
The funeral of Edson Lopes Gama took place on Tuesday January 7 near the family home. For the occasion, some of his loved ones wore a Gremio club jersey, his favorite team.
