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Tragic Story of Soccer Star Drowning in Stomach Acid While Making Call to Mum

Image: Instagram / Luca Manolache
In a heartbreaking turn of events, 19-year-old soccer player Luca Manolache succumbed to health challenges that had hurt his promising career. The Romanian athlete, who played for Metaloglobus București, faced a sinister illness that left him suffering and ultimately led to his untimely passing, creating a wave of grief throughout the sports community.
Luca’s health issues began around August 2024, when he started experiencing extreme fatigue, dizziness, and chills. These symptoms were perplexing, causing worry and confusion not only for him but also for the medical professionals he consulted. Despite multiple evaluations, specialists were unable to uncover the cause of his deteriorating condition, leaving his family in distress as they grappled with uncertainty.
The tragic event unfolded on February 28, when Luca was with a family member. His condition took a sudden turn for the worse, prompting immediate transport to a hospital in Târgoviște, Romania. During the ambulance ride, he reached out to his mother, Ana, sharing his despair: “Mum, Mum, I can’t do it anymore.”
His poignant words to his mother revealed the depth of his struggle. Moments later, he lost consciousness. Despite the efforts of paramedics, Luca was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, leaving those who loved him shattered.
Following his passing, an autopsy revealed the catastrophic nature of his medical emergency: Luca had tragically drowned in his own stomach acid, a devastating condition made worse by a severe lung infection. Additionally, medical examinations indicate a ruptured aorta, causing internal hemorrhaging, which ultimately took his life.
The news of Luca’s passing sent shockwaves through both his family and the Romanian football community. Metaloglobus București paid tribute to their cherished player, mourning the loss of a bright talent who brought joy to the pitch and to those around him. Their Instagram post read, “We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss. His love for football and his smile brought happiness on the field.”
Friends and fans took to social media to express their sorrow, reminiscing about Luca’s dedication and potential as an athlete. Many have since called for rigorous medical investigations to shed light on the mysterious illness that claimed his life, concerned that other young athletes might face similar fates without clear answers.
Luca Manolache’s story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, especially for those with dreams and aspirations that seem all too attainable. His unwavering spirit and love for the game will forever echo in the memories of those who had the privilege of knowing him.