Soccer player, 19, dies after drowning in his own stomach acid while on the phone to his mother
The Romanian athlete, who played for Metaloglobus București, had been struggling with unexplained health issues since August 2024, which kept him off the pitch and left doctors puzzled.
Credit: manolache_luca10 / Instagram
Luca first reported symptoms such as extreme fatigue, dizziness, and chills, all of which severely impacted his ability to train and play. Despite multiple medical evaluations, specialists were unable to diagnose the underlying cause of his deteriorating health, leaving his family in distress and searching for answers.
On February 28, while spending time with a family member, Luca’s condition suddenly worsened. He was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, where he made a heartbreaking call to his mother, Ana. “Mum, Mum, I can’t do it anymore,” he told her. He also turned to a nurse and asked, “Do you think I’m going to die?”
Shortly after, Luca lost consciousness in the ambulance and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the County Hospital in Târgoviște, Romania.
An autopsy later revealed that he had tragically drowned on his own stomach acid, a condition exacerbated by a severe lung infection. Additionally, medical reports indicated that he had suffered a ruptured aorta, leading to internal hemorrhaging.
The devastating news has left Luca’s loved ones and the Romanian football community in shock. His club, Metaloglobus București, shared a tribute on Instagram, mourning the loss of their promising young player. “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 have taken to social media to pay their respects, remembering Luca as a dedicated athlete who had a bright future ahead of him. Many have expressed their grief, with some calling for further medical investigations to understand the illness that led to his untimely passing.
Luca’s story is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be. His passion for the sport and unwavering dedication to his team will always be remembered. While his career was cut short, his impact on those who knew him will not be forgotten.
