Twelve days after the devastating earthquake in the Turkish-Syrian border area, the death toll has now risen to over 45,000. According to the authorities, a good 264,000 apartments were destroyed in Turkey alone. Numerous people are still missing. Nevertheless, survivors were still able to be rescued on Saturday – 296 hours after the first tremor. Helpers pulled three people, including a child, from the rubble of a building in the southern Turkish city of Antakya, Anadolu News Agency reported.
But in the case of the missing Ghanaian soccer professional Christian Atsu, the worst fears have come true. The 31-year-old, who has been missing since the earthquake disaster in the Turkish-Syrian border region, is dead. Local media reported this on Saturday with reference to Atsus’ manager.
Murat Uzunmehmet told DHA news agency that Atsu’s body was recovered from under the rubble in southern Turkey’s Hatay province. “We discovered his lifeless body. His belongings are still being taken out. His phone was also found,” Uzunmehmet told the DHA.
The offensive player’s former clubs such as Chelsea or Newcastle United expressed their condolences.
Manager Nana Sechere tweeted the message: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce to everyone that Christian Atsu’s body was unfortunately recovered this morning. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and to thank their support. As we take the necessary precautions, I ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy at this very difficult time.”
Former clubs of the 60-time national player also expressed their condolences, including his club Hatayspor: “We will not forget you, Atsu. May your place be in heaven, beautiful person. Our sadness is indescribable. Rest in peace.” As a sign of mourning, the club changed their Twitter logo to black.
It was initially reported that Atsu could be recovered alive, which was confirmed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), among others. However, this news turned out to be false.
Atsu joined Hatayspor from the Turkish Süper Lig in September. The club comes from the city of Antakya near the Turkish-Syrian border. The day before the disaster, the 60-time international had scored the winning goal for his team against Kasimpasa to make it 1-0.